Dalteparin is a
low molecular weight heparin. It is marketed as Fragmin. Like other low molecular weight heparins, dalteparin is used for prophylaxis or treatment of
deep vein thrombosis and
pulmonary embolism to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Dalteparin acts by potentiating the activity of
antithrombin III
Antithrombin (AT) is a small glycoprotein that inactivates several enzymes of the coagulation system. It is a 432-amino-acid protein produced by the liver. It contains three disulfide bonds and a total of four possible glycosylation sites. α-Ant ...
, inhibiting formation of both
Factor Xa and
thrombin. It is normally administered by self-injection.
The CLOT study, published in 2003, showed that in patients with malignancy and acute
venous thromboembolism (VTE), dalteparin was more effective than
warfarin in reducing the risk of recurrent embolic events. Dalteparin is not superior to
unfractionated heparin
Heparin, also known as unfractionated heparin (UFH), is a medication and naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan. Since heparins depend on the activity of antithrombin, they are considered anticoagulants. Specifically it is also used in the treatm ...
in preventing blood clots.
Heparins are
cleared by the
kidneys, but studies have shown that dalteparin does not accumulate even if
kidney function is reduced. Approximately 70% of dalteparin is excreted through kidneys based on animal studies.
In May 2019, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Fragmin injection to reduce the recurrence of symptomatic VTE in pediatric patients one month of age and older.
It is on the
World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
References
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