Ardeparin is a low molecular weight heparin anticoagulant, that is administered via subcutaneous injection to prevent postoperative venous thrombosis. Ardeparin prevents the formation of deep vein thrombus which may cause leg pain or swelling and pulmonary embolism. Ardeparin targets the coagulation cascade in blood vessels by binding to antithrombin III and increasing its activity. Antithrombin III then inhibits factor Xa, which forms part of the prothrombinase complex together with factor Va. This complex is responsible for cleaving prothrombin to generate thrombin. Antithrombin III also inhibits thrombin (or factor IIa). Thrombin plays a role in the coagulation cascade by cleaving fibrinogen to form the fibrin needed to constitute the fibrin blood clot. Therefore, inhibition of factor Xa and thrombin prevents the generation of fibrin, and as a result, blood clots are unable to form. Side effects from taking ardeparin include rash, anemia, bleeding, nausea/vomiting, constipation, fever and confusion.

Ardeparin Pathway (New) References