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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Your doctor has ordered heparin flush, an anticoagulant ('blood thinner'), to prevent the formation of clots that could block your intravenous (IV) catheter.
You will probably use heparin flush several times a day. Your health care provider will determine the number of heparin flushes you will need a day.
Before administering heparin flush,
Before you administer heparin flush, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Do not use the solution if it is discolored or if it contains particles. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.
It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not administer it more often than or for longer periods than your doctor tells you. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider may tell you to stop the infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as blockage in the tubing, needle or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your health care provider immediately so your therapy can continue.
Although side effects from heparin flush are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if the following symptom is severe or does not go away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.
Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of the reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
You need to know the symptoms of a catheter-related infection (an infection where the needle enters your vein or skin). If you experience any of these effects near your intravenous catheter, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:
Last Revised - 01/01/2003
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |