Can you take Heparin flush with Plasminogen, human?
1 drug interaction and 4 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- heparin flush
- plasminogen, human
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
heparin flush plasminogen, human
Applies to: heparin flush and plasminogen, human
Using heparin flush together with plasminogen, human may increase the risk of bleeding.
Although heparin flush is generally given in low concentrations to help keep IV catheters open and flowing freely by preventing blood clots, small amounts of heparin may get into the blood stream. Following repeated or excessive use, heparin can accumulate and cause bleeding complications, especially when used with other medications that can also impair clotting or cause low platelet counts.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any unusual bleeding or bruising, or have other signs and symptoms of bleeding such as:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- red or black, tarry stools
- coughing up or vomiting fresh or dried blood that looks like coffee grounds
- severe headache
- weakness
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
No alcohol/food interactions were found. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease interactions
4 potential interactions Applies to: 4 conditions, including Bleeding Disorder, Thrombocytopenia, Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy, and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia.
Bleeding Disorder
Major:
heparin flush
Heparin flush has a major potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.
Anticoagulants are contraindicated in patients with active major bleeding or those patients at risk for hemorrhage. Hemorrhage due to heparin derivatives may be treated with protamine sulfate 1%. However, protamine sulfate may not completely neutralize the anti- Factor Xa activity.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Major:
heparin flush
Heparin flush has a major potential interaction with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia.
The use of heparin is contraindicated in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Acute thrombocytopenia can occur in patients receiving heparin, with a reported incidence of up to 30%. Platelet counts should be obtained before and periodically during heparin administration, including regular and repeated use of heparin flush solutions if given for longer than 5 days. Mild thrombocytopenia with counts above 100,000/mm3 may remain stable or reverse despite continued heparin administration. However, thrombocytopenia of any degree should be closely monitored. Therapy should be discontinued if the count falls below 100,000/mm3 or if recurrent thrombosis develops, and an alternative, nonheparin anticoagulant (e.g., argatroban, bivalirudin, lepirudin) administered if necessary. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious antibody-mediated reaction resulting from irreversible aggregation of platelets. HIT may progress to the development of venous and arterial thromboses, a condition referred to as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT). Thrombotic events may also be the initial presentation for HITT, and may include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebral vein thrombosis, limb ischemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, mesenteric thrombosis, renal artery thrombosis, skin necrosis, gangrene of the extremities that may lead to amputation, and possibly death. Both HIT and HITT can occur up to several weeks after the discontinuation of heparin therapy. Patients presenting with thrombocytopenia or thrombosis after discontinuation of heparin should be evaluated for HIT and HITT. Following an episode, any future use of heparin should be avoided, and use of low-molecular weight heparin should consider the potential for cross-reactivity with the HIT antibody and approached with extreme caution, if not otherwise contraindicated.
Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy
Major:
heparin flush
Heparin flush has a major potential interaction with Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy.
The use of certain heparin sodium injections and heparin lock flush solutions is considered by the manufacturers to be contraindicated in premature infants and infants of low birth weight. Some formulations of these drugs contain benzyl alcohol which, in bacteriostatic saline intravascular flush and endotracheal tube lavage solutions, has been associated with fatalities and severe respiratory and metabolic complications in low-birthweight premature infants. Symptoms include a striking onset of gasping respiration, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. The manufacturers further recommend that use of these products be avoided in all neonates whenever possible. Neonates requiring heparin lock flush solution should be given a preservative-free formulation. Nevertheless, many experts feel that, in the absence of benzyl alcohol-free equivalents, the amount of the preservative present in these formulations should not necessarily preclude their use if they are clearly indicated. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers benzyl alcohol in low doses (such as when used as a preservative in some medications) to be safe for newborns.
The use of heparin for maintaining patency of umbilical artery catheters may be associated with an increased risk of germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage in low-birthweight neonates. Although a definitive causal relationship has not been established, caution may be appropriate when heparin lock flush solutions are used.
Due to the risk of overdose, heparin lock flush solutions containing 100 units/mL should not be used in neonates, particularly those who are premature or have low birthweight.
Thrombocytopenia
Major:
heparin flush
Heparin flush has a major potential interaction with Thrombocytopenia.
The use of heparin is contraindicated in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Acute thrombocytopenia can occur in patients receiving heparin, with a reported incidence of up to 30%. Platelet counts should be obtained before and periodically during heparin administration, including regular and repeated use of heparin flush solutions if given for longer than 5 days. Mild thrombocytopenia with counts above 100,000/mm3 may remain stable or reverse despite continued heparin administration. However, thrombocytopenia of any degree should be closely monitored. Therapy should be discontinued if the count falls below 100,000/mm3 or if recurrent thrombosis develops, and an alternative, nonheparin anticoagulant (e.g., argatroban, bivalirudin, lepirudin) administered if necessary. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious antibody-mediated reaction resulting from irreversible aggregation of platelets. HIT may progress to the development of venous and arterial thromboses, a condition referred to as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT). Thrombotic events may also be the initial presentation for HITT, and may include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebral vein thrombosis, limb ischemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, mesenteric thrombosis, renal artery thrombosis, skin necrosis, gangrene of the extremities that may lead to amputation, and possibly death. Both HIT and HITT can occur up to several weeks after the discontinuation of heparin therapy. Patients presenting with thrombocytopenia or thrombosis after discontinuation of heparin should be evaluated for HIT and HITT. Following an episode, any future use of heparin should be avoided, and use of low-molecular weight heparin should consider the potential for cross-reactivity with the HIT antibody and approached with extreme caution, if not otherwise contraindicated.
More resources
heparin flush
A total of 120 drugs are known to interact with heparin flush.
- Heparin flush is in the drug class heparins.
- Heparin flush is used to treat Patency Maintenance of Indwelling Intravenous Devices.
plasminogen, human
A total of 77 drugs are known to interact with plasminogen, human.
- Plasminogen, human is in the drug class miscellaneous uncategorized agents.
- Plasminogen, human is used to treat Hypoplasminogenemia.
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.