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GENERIC NAME: HEPARIN LOCK FLUSH-INJECTION (HEP-uh-rin)

BRAND NAME(S): Hep-Lock

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Heparin lock flush is used to clear (flush) IV lines or catheters to keep them open and flowing freely. This form of heparin must not be used as a blood thinner.

HOW TO USE: This medication is administered by injection directly in to the IV (intravenous) line or catheter. It is usually given each time after the IV line or catheter is used.

SIDE EFFECTS: Because this medication is not administered directly to the body, no side effects are anticipated. However, notify your doctor if you experience: fever, chills, itching or irritation at the line site, unusual bruising or bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: bleeding disorders, ulcers, history of stroke, kidney disease, high blood pressure, allergies (especially to blood thinners or pork). Elderly persons (over 60) may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include unexplained bleeding and bruising, stomach pain or swelling, back pain, blood in urine, vomiting blood, dizziness, and headache.

NOTES: Properly discard needles and syringes after use.

MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.

STORAGE: Store this medication in a secure, cool area as directed.


Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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heparin lock flush-injection, Hep-Lock

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction) is the death of heart muscle from the sudden blockage of a coronary artery by a blood clot. Coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. Blockage of a coronary artery deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen, causing injury to the heart muscle. Injury to the heart muscle causes chest pain and pressure. If blood flow is not restored within 20 to 40 minutes, irreversible death of the heart muscle will begin to occur. Muscle continues to die for six to eight hours at which time the heart attack usually is "complete." The dead heart muscle is replaced by scar tissue.

Approximately one million Americans suffer a heart attack each year. Four hundred thousand of them die as a result of their heart attack.

Click here to view interactive photos of hearts that have suffered a heart attack.

How is a heart attack ...

Read the Heart Attack Treatment article »




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