Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH): Class Overview and Comparison
Quick answer: Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are a class of medicines used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic covers 6 low molecular weight heparin (lmwh) substances. Below is a comparison table linking to detailed pages for each.
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on iMedic (6 substances)
| Substance | Primary indications | Mechanism | Common dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enoxaparin Becat | Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, Treatment of DVT/PE | Activates antithrombin III to preferentially inhibit factor Xa | 40 mg SC daily (prophylaxis); 1 mg/kg SC twice daily (treatment) |
| Enoxaparin Ledraxen | Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, Treatment of DVT/PE | Activates antithrombin III to preferentially inhibit factor Xa | 40 mg SC daily (prophylaxis); 1 mg/kg SC twice daily (treatment) |
| Fragmin | Venous thromboembolism treatment and prophylaxis, Acute coronary syndrome | Dalteparin potentiates antithrombin III to inhibit factor Xa (and to a lesser ex | Prophylaxis 2500-5000 IU SC daily; treatment 200 IU/kg SC daily or 100 IU/kg SC twice daily |
| Ghemaxan | Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, Treatment of DVT/PE | Antithrombin-mediated inhibition of factor Xa (and to lesser extent thrombin) | 40 mg SC once daily (prophylaxis); 1 mg/kg SC twice daily (treatment) |
| Inhixa | Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, Treatment of DVT/PE | Enoxaparin biosimilar that potentiates antithrombin III to inhibit factor Xa | 40 mg SC once daily (prophylaxis); 1 mg/kg SC twice daily (treatment) |
| Innohep | Venous thromboembolism treatment, VTE prophylaxis | Tinzaparin potentiates antithrombin III to inhibit factor Xa and thrombin | 175 IU/kg SC once daily (treatment); 3500-4500 IU SC daily (prophylaxis) |
About Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) share a common mechanism of action and clinical use. Specific dosing, side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions vary between individual substances within the class. Click any substance above for full prescribing information and patient guidance.
Common considerations across the class
- Indication-specific selection: Different members may be preferred for different conditions or patient populations
- Dose equivalence: Members of the same class are not always interchangeable on a 1:1 dose basis
- Drug interactions: Class members often share interaction profiles (e.g., CYP enzyme effects) but individual variation matters
- Side effects: Some side effects are class-wide; others are substance-specific
- Contraindications: Individual contraindications may not generalize across the class
Always consult the prescribing information for the specific medicine prescribed and discuss with your clinician.
Frequently asked questions
What are Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)?
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are medicines that share a common mechanism of action used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic currently covers 6 substances in this class with detailed pages for each.
Are all Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) interchangeable?
No. While medicines in the same class share a mechanism, they differ in potency, dosing, drug interactions, and tolerability. Switching between them is a clinical decision based on individual response, side effects, and treatment goals.
How do I choose between different Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)?
Selection depends on the specific clinical indication, patient factors (age, comorbidities, kidney/liver function, other medications), tolerability of side effects, cost, and clinician preference. This is a prescribing decision.
Are Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) available as generics?
Most well-established class members are available as generic alternatives, often substantially less expensive than brand-name versions while clinically equivalent. Newer members may still be brand-only.
Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.