Heparin

Heparin is a medication used to prevent and treat blood clots by acting as an anticoagulant, meaning it slows down the body’s blood-clotting process. It is commonly given in hospitals to patients at risk of conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, or during surgeries and dialysis. Heparin works by enhancing the activity of a natural substance in the body that inhibits clotting factors, especially thrombin, thereby reducing the formation of clots. It is usually administered by injection rather than taken orally, and its effects need to be carefully monitored to avoid excessive bleeding.