Heparin Lock Flush 10u/ml Inj, 5ml
It is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.It is used to treat blood clots. It is used to keep blood from clotting in catheters. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Anticoagulant (for catheter patency)
Pharmacologic Class
Antithrombotic Agent; Anticoagulant, Indirect Thrombin Inhibitor
Pregnancy Category
Category C (for systemic heparin, minimal absorption with lock flush)
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Heparin lock flush is a very small amount of a blood thinner used to keep your IV (intravenous) line or catheter from getting clogged with blood clots. It helps ensure your IV line stays open and ready for use.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It's essential to follow the dosage instructions carefully. This medication can be administered in different ways, including:
Through a catheter
As an injection into a vein
As an injection into the fatty part of the skin
As an infusion into a vein over a period of time
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action. They will advise you on what to do next.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It's essential to follow the dosage instructions carefully. This medication can be administered in different ways, including:
Through a catheter
As an injection into a vein
As an injection into the fatty part of the skin
As an infusion into a vein over a period of time
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action. They will advise you on what to do next.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Maintain good hand hygiene before touching the catheter or flush syringe.
- Follow specific instructions from your healthcare provider or nurse on how and when to flush your catheter.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Heparin Lock Flush 100u/ml Inj, 1ml
- Heparin Lock Flush 100u/ml Inj, 5ml
- Heparin Sod 1000u/ml Inj, 2ml
- Heparin Sod 5,000u/ml Inj, 10ml
- Heparin Sod 5000u/0.5ml Inj, 0.5ml
- Heparin Sod 5,000u/ml Inj, 1ml
- Heparin Lock Flush 10u/ml Inj, 5ml
- Heparin Sod 1000u/ml Inj, 10ml
- Heparin Sod 1000u/ml Inj, 1ml
- Heparin Sod 10,000u/ml Inj, 4ml
- Heparin Sod 5000u/ml Carpuject, 1ml
- Heparin Lock Flush 100u/ml Inj, 3ml
- Heparin Sod 1000u/ml Inj, 30ml
- Heparin Sod 5000u/ml Prefilled Syr
- Heparin Sod 5000u/ml Inj, 1ml
- Heparin Lock Flush 10u/ml Inj, 1ml
- Heparin Sod 10,000u/ml Inj, 1ml
- Heparin Sod 20000u/ml Inj 1ml
- Heparin Sod 10,000u/ml Inj, 5ml
- Heparin Lock Flush 10u/ml Inj, 3ml
- Heparin Sod/nacl 25000u Inj, 500ml
- Heparin Sod/d5w 100u/ml Inj, 250ml
- Hep Sod/nacl 25000unt Inj, 250ml
- Heparin Na 50u/1ml/sod Cl 0.45% Inj
- Heparin Posiflush 100u/ml Inj, 3ml
- Heparin Sod 1000u/ml Inj,30ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
10 units/mL solution, volume sufficient to fill the catheter lumen (typically 1-5 mL) flushed into the catheter after each use or every 8-12 hours for intermittent use.
Dose Range:
1 - 5 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
peripheral_catheter:
1-3 mL of 10 units/mL solution
central_venous_catheter:
2-5 mL of 10 units/mL solution (or 100 units/mL for some specific CVCs, but 10 units/mL is common for lock flush)
frequency:
After each use or every 8-12 hours for intermittently used catheters
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
0.5-1 mL of 10 units/mL solution, volume sufficient to fill the catheter lumen
Infant:
1-2 mL of 10 units/mL solution, volume sufficient to fill the catheter lumen
Child:
1-3 mL of 10 units/mL solution, volume sufficient to fill the catheter lumen
Adolescent:
1-5 mL of 10 units/mL solution, volume sufficient to fill the catheter lumen
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Dialysis:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Heparin binds to antithrombin III (ATIII), greatly accelerating the rate at which ATIII inactivates coagulation enzymes, particularly thrombin (Factor IIa) and Factor Xa. In the context of a lock flush, this action prevents the formation of fibrin clots within the lumen of intravenous catheters, thereby maintaining catheter patency.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Negligible systemic absorption from lock flush
Tmax:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
CnssPenetration:
No (minimal systemic absorption)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Clearance:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
ExcretionRoute:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Unchanged:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Immediate (within the catheter lumen)
PeakEffect:
Not applicable (no systemic effect intended)
DurationOfAction:
Maintains catheter patency until next flush or catheter use (typically 8-12 hours for intermittent use)
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of bleeding, including:
+ Vomiting or coughing up blood
+ Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
+ Blood in the urine
+ Black, red, or tarry stools
+ Bleeding from the gums
+ Abnormal vaginal bleeding
+ Unexplained bruises or bruises that increase in size
+ Uncontrollable bleeding
Neurological symptoms, such as:
+ Weakness on one side of the body
+ Difficulty speaking or thinking
+ Changes in balance
+ Drooping on one side of the face
+ Blurred vision
Feeling confused
Severe headache
Dizziness or fainting
Upset stomach or vomiting
Unusual burning sensations, particularly on the soles of the feet
Swelling, warmth, numbness, color changes, or pain in a leg or arm
Chest pain or pressure
Shortness of breath
Back pain
Groin or pelvic pain or swelling
Changes in skin color at the injection site
Skin breakdown at the site of application
Fever or chills
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you have any side effects that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of bleeding, including:
+ Vomiting or coughing up blood
+ Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
+ Blood in the urine
+ Black, red, or tarry stools
+ Bleeding from the gums
+ Abnormal vaginal bleeding
+ Unexplained bruises or bruises that increase in size
+ Uncontrollable bleeding
Neurological symptoms, such as:
+ Weakness on one side of the body
+ Difficulty speaking or thinking
+ Changes in balance
+ Drooping on one side of the face
+ Blurred vision
Feeling confused
Severe headache
Dizziness or fainting
Upset stomach or vomiting
Unusual burning sensations, particularly on the soles of the feet
Swelling, warmth, numbness, color changes, or pain in a leg or arm
Chest pain or pressure
Shortness of breath
Back pain
Groin or pelvic pain or swelling
Changes in skin color at the injection site
Skin breakdown at the site of application
Fever or chills
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you have any side effects that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Difficulty flushing your IV line
- Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around your IV site
- Blood leaking from your IV site
- Fever or chills (could indicate an infection)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are allergic to pork products, discuss this with your doctor.
* Certain health conditions, including:
+ Bleeding problems
+ Low platelet count
+ A history of low platelet count caused by heparin or pentosan polysulfate
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to disclose all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues to your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are allergic to pork products, discuss this with your doctor.
* Certain health conditions, including:
+ Bleeding problems
+ Low platelet count
+ A history of low platelet count caused by heparin or pentosan polysulfate
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to disclose all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues to your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
While on this medication, you may experience easier bleeding, so it's crucial to be cautious and avoid injuries. To minimize the risk of bleeding, use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor for shaving.
There is a risk of severe and potentially life-threatening bleeding problems associated with this medication. Additionally, this drug can cause a condition known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which may lead to the formation of blood clots, referred to as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITTS). Both HIT and HITTS can be fatal or cause other serious complications, and they may occur up to several weeks after stopping the medication. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor. It is also important to have your blood work checked as directed by your doctor.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it's vital to inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
If you fall, injure yourself, or hit your head, contact your doctor immediately, even if you feel fine.
Ensure that you have the correct product, as this medication comes in various containers and strengths. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have a sulfite allergy, inform your doctor, as some products may contain sulfites.
Individuals over 60 years old should use this medication with caution, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.
Some products contain benzyl alcohol, which can cause serious side effects in newborns and infants, especially when combined with other medications containing benzyl alcohol. If you are concerned about this, discuss it with your doctor to determine if the product you are using contains benzyl alcohol.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.
While on this medication, you may experience easier bleeding, so it's crucial to be cautious and avoid injuries. To minimize the risk of bleeding, use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor for shaving.
There is a risk of severe and potentially life-threatening bleeding problems associated with this medication. Additionally, this drug can cause a condition known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which may lead to the formation of blood clots, referred to as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITTS). Both HIT and HITTS can be fatal or cause other serious complications, and they may occur up to several weeks after stopping the medication. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor. It is also important to have your blood work checked as directed by your doctor.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it's vital to inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
If you fall, injure yourself, or hit your head, contact your doctor immediately, even if you feel fine.
Ensure that you have the correct product, as this medication comes in various containers and strengths. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have a sulfite allergy, inform your doctor, as some products may contain sulfites.
Individuals over 60 years old should use this medication with caution, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.
Some products contain benzyl alcohol, which can cause serious side effects in newborns and infants, especially when combined with other medications containing benzyl alcohol. If you are concerned about this, discuss it with your doctor to determine if the product you are using contains benzyl alcohol.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- While systemic overdose is highly unlikely with lock flush due to minimal absorption, symptoms of systemic heparin overdose include unusual bleeding or bruising (e.g., nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in urine/stools, excessive bruising), petechiae, or hematomas.
What to Do:
If accidental systemic administration of a large dose occurs, or if signs of systemic bleeding are observed, seek immediate medical attention. Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin overdose. Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Catheter patency
Frequency: Prior to each use and after flushing
Target: Easy aspiration of blood and smooth injection of flush solution
Action Threshold: Resistance to flush, inability to aspirate blood, or signs of occlusion (e.g., swelling, pain at site)
Insertion site for local complications
Frequency: Daily and with each use
Target: Absence of redness, swelling, pain, or discharge
Action Threshold: Presence of signs of infection, phlebitis, or infiltration
Symptom Monitoring
- Resistance when flushing the catheter
- Inability to aspirate blood from the catheter
- Swelling or pain at the catheter insertion site
- Redness or warmth around the catheter site
- Fever (may indicate catheter-related infection)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for use in pregnancy due to minimal systemic absorption. Heparin does not cross the placenta. Category C for systemic heparin, but risk is negligible for lock flush.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Minimal risk
Second Trimester:
Minimal risk
Third Trimester:
Minimal risk
Lactation
Considered safe for use during lactation. Heparin is not excreted into breast milk in clinically significant amounts due to its large molecular weight and minimal systemic absorption from lock flush. Lactation Risk Category L1.
Infant Risk:
No known risk to the breastfed infant.
Pediatric Use
Safe for use in pediatric patients. Dosing is adjusted based on the volume of the catheter lumen, not body weight, similar to adults. Use appropriate syringe sizes for accurate small volume administration.
Geriatric Use
Safe for use in geriatric patients. No specific dose adjustments are typically required beyond standard catheter volume flushing. Minimal systemic absorption reduces concerns about age-related changes in drug metabolism or elimination.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Heparin lock flush is intended solely for maintaining catheter patency and is NOT for therapeutic anticoagulation. Ensure the correct concentration (e.g., 10 units/mL) is used to avoid accidental systemic overdose.
- Always verify the concentration of heparin solution before use, as therapeutic heparin concentrations (e.g., 1,000 units/mL, 5,000 units/mL) can be easily confused with lock flush solutions, leading to serious adverse events.
- Proper aseptic technique is crucial during flushing to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections.
- For most peripheral IVs, saline flush is often sufficient and preferred over heparin flush to avoid potential heparin exposure and reduce the risk of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), even if rare with lock flush.
- Follow institutional policies and procedures for catheter flushing, including frequency and volume.
- Ensure positive pressure technique (clamping the line while injecting the last 0.5 mL of flush) is used to prevent blood reflux into the catheter lumen, which can lead to occlusion.
Alternative Therapies
- 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Saline) flush: This is the most common and often preferred alternative for maintaining patency of many types of central and peripheral venous catheters, especially those used intermittently. It avoids any risk of heparin exposure.
- Citrate solutions: Used in some specific dialysis catheters (e.g., 4% sodium citrate) as an anticoagulant lock solution, but not for general IV catheters.
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 5 mL vial/syringe
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or 2 (usually covered by most insurance plans as a medical supply)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Unless instructed otherwise, do not flush medications down the toilet or drain. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, which your pharmacist can provide. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.