heparinoid at a glance
Medicine class
Topical heparinoid anticoagulant
Licensed uses
Superficial thrombophlebitis, superficial bruising and haematoma
How it is used
Applied externally as a cream or gel
What is heparinoid used for?
Heparinoid cream and gel are licensed for local treatment or relief of:
Superficial thrombophlebitis—inflammation and clotting in a vein close to the skin
Superficial bruising
Haematoma—a local collection of blood beneath the skin
How does heparinoid work?
Heparinoid acts mainly near the application site. It has mild anticoagulant and clot-dispersing activity and can reduce inflammation and fluid leakage involved in tenderness and swelling. Absorption through the skin is expected to be too low to have an important effect on general blood clotting.
How to take heparinoid
For external use only. Follow the pack or prescriber's instructions.
Apply to the affected area; gently massage cream into intact skin.
If the area is too tender, gel may be placed on the surrounding skin.
Wash your hands afterwards unless they are being treated.
Avoid broken skin, large areas, eyes, mouth, ano-genital areas and other mucous membranes.
Do not swallow.
Keep treated skin, clothing, bedding and dressings away from cigarettes and naked flames.
heparinoid side effects
Common or expected effects
- No common adverse effects are listed in the selected product information.
- Cream ingredients including lanolin and cetostearyl alcohol can cause contact dermatitis. Its paraben preservatives can cause allergic reactions that may be delayed.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using it and call 999 for signs of anaphylaxis, such as sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, severe dizziness or collapse.
heparinoid in pregnancy
The selected product information states there is no evidence suggesting these products should not be used during pregnancy. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before use.
heparinoid while breastfeeding
The selected product information states there is no evidence suggesting these products should not be used during breastfeeding. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use and avoid exposing the infant directly or allowing ingestion.
heparinoid interactions
No medicine interactions are known for the selected topical products, but disclose prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products.
No specific medicine or class identified
No interactions are known for the selected products.
Common questions about heparinoid
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is heparinoid the same as injectable heparin?
No. It is a heparin-like substance for local application to the skin, not an injectable anticoagulant.
Can it be applied to broken skin?
No. Do not use it on cuts, grazes, ulcers or other broken skin.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.