dalteparin sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Low molecular weight heparin anticoagulant.
How it is given
Injected into fatty tissue under the skin, commonly around the abdomen or outer thigh.
Main safety concern
Bleeding; tell healthcare professionals and dentists that you use dalteparin.
Food
Food does not affect administration because dalteparin is injected rather than swallowed.
What is dalteparin sodium used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for:
Treating venous thromboembolism presenting as deep-vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or both, in adults.
Treating symptomatic venous thromboembolism in children aged one month and older.
Managing unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction alongside aspirin in adults.
How does dalteparin sodium work?
Dalteparin strengthens the action of antithrombin, a natural clot-control protein. It mainly inhibits factor Xa and, to a lesser extent, thrombin, reducing the blood’s ability to form or extend clots.
dalteparin sodium preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 2500 units/0.2 mL, 7500 units/0.3 mL, 10000 units/0.4 mL, 10000 units/mL, 12500 units/0.5 mL, 15000 units/0.6 mL, 18000 units/0.72 mL
How to take dalteparin sodium
Use dalteparin exactly as prescribed and self-inject only after a healthcare professional has demonstrated the technique. Inject it into fatty tissue under the skin, not into muscle.
Wash and dry your hands and choose a clean injection site as demonstrated.
Common sites are the abdomen or outer thigh; rotate sites to reduce soreness and bruising.
Keep the skin fold held during injection and do not rub the site afterwards.
Activate any fitted needle-safety device and put the syringe directly into an approved sharps container.
Do not share syringes or reuse a single-dose syringe.
dalteparin sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bruising, a small haematoma or pain at the injection site
- Minor bleeding
- A mild, usually reversible fall in platelet count
- Raised blood potassium or temporary increases in liver enzymes
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe, persistent or unexplained bleeding
- A severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty or facial swelling
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which may cause a marked platelet fall, severe injection-site reactions or a new blood clot
- Skin tissue damage around an injection site
- Bleeding around the brain, abdomen, spine or epidural space
dalteparin sodium in pregnancy
Dalteparin does not cross the placenta and can be used during pregnancy when clinically needed. Pregnancy, labour and planned spinal or epidural anaesthesia require coordinated specialist advice. Use a preservative-free presentation rather than the benzyl alcohol-containing multidose vial.
dalteparin sodium while breastfeeding
Dalteparin can generally be used while breastfeeding a healthy, full-term infant because only negligible amounts are expected in milk and infant absorption is unlikely. Seek advice if the baby develops unusual bruising or bleeding. Use a preservative-free presentation rather than the benzyl alcohol-containing multidose vial.
dalteparin sodium interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber because combinations affecting clotting can increase bleeding.
Other anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines
Vitamin K antagonists, aspirin and platelet inhibitors can increase bleeding; combine only when specifically prescribed.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Ibuprofen, diclofenac and similar medicines may increase bleeding, with additional concern in renal impairment.
Common questions about dalteparin sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is dalteparin sodium the same as Fragmin?
Fragmin is a UK brand containing dalteparin sodium.
Where is dalteparin sodium injected?
Into fatty tissue under the skin, commonly in the abdomen or outer thigh, using the technique demonstrated by your healthcare team.
Can dalteparin sodium be injected into a muscle?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.