Parnaparin is a low-weight molecular heparin (LWMH), an anticoagulant that acts on antithrombin III in order to inhibit coagulation. Inhibition of antithrombin III leads to no conversion of prothrombin to thrombin in addition to halting the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin due to little concentrations of thrombin. It is usually administered subcutaneously and like other heparins has the risk of adverse effects such as deep vein thrombosis. It offers more toleration than heparin, as well as greater bioavailability and a longer half-life although more studies are being conducted to gain more insight into the therapeutic advantages of the drug. It can have interactions with food, it best to avoid herbs and supplements with anticoagulant and antiplatelet activity such as garlic, ginger, bilberry, danshen, piracetam and ginkgo biloba.

Parnaparin Pathway References