Dalteparin
/api/v1/drug/dalteparinBoxed warning
SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMAS Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients who are anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) or heparinoids and are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include: • Use of indwelling epidural catheters • Concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants. • A history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures • A history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery • Optimal timing between the administration of FRAGMIN and neuraxial procedures is not known Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary. Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Interactions (7) ] . WARNING: SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMAS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Mechanism of action
Sourced from openFDADalteparin is a low molecular weight heparin with antithrombotic properties. It acts by enhancing the inhibition of Factor Xa and thrombin by antithrombin.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- FRAGMIN is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) indicated for • Prophylaxis of ischemic complications of unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction ( 1.1 ) • Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in abdominal surgery, hip replacement surgery or medical patients with severely restricted mobility during acute illness ( 1.2 ) • Extended treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) to reduce the recurrence in adult patients with cancer. In these patients, the FRAGMIN therapy begins with the initial VTE treatment and continues for six months ( 1.3 ) • Treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) to reduce the recurrence in pediatric patients from birth (gestational age at least 35 weeks) ( 1.4 ) • Limitations of Use FRAGMIN is not indicated for the acute treatment of VTE ( 1.5 ) 1.1 Prophylaxis of Ischemic Complications in Unstable Angina and Non-Q-Wave Myocardial Infarction FRAGMIN Injection is indicated for the prophylaxis of ischemic complications in unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, when concurrently administered with aspirin therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] .ICD-10: I20.9, I21.9, I82.409, I82.90
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- FRAGMIN is contraindicated in: • Patients with active major bleeding. • Patients with a history of heparin induced thrombocytopenia or heparin induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis.contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDAIndication Dosing Regimen Unstable angina and non-Q-wave MI 120 units/kg subcutaneous every 12 hours (with aspirin) ( 2.1 ) DVT prophylaxis in abdominal surgery 2,500 units subcutaneous once daily or 5,000 units subcutaneous once daily or 2,500 units subcutaneous followed by 2,500 units subcutaneous 12 hours later and then 5,000 units subcutaneous once daily ( 2.2 ) DVT prophylaxis in hip replacement surgery Postoperative start – 2,500 units subcutaneous 4 hours to 8 hours after surgery, then 5,000 units subcutaneous once daily, or Preoperative start – day of surgery 2,500 units subcutaneous 2 hours before surgery followed by 2,500 units subcutaneous 4 hours to 8 hours after surgery, then 5,000 units subcutaneous once daily ( 2.2 ) Preoperative start – Evening Before Surgery 5,000 units subcutaneous followed by 5,000 units subcutaneous 4 hours to 8 hours after surgery ( 2.2 ) DVT prophylaxis in medical patients 5,000 units subcutaneous once daily ( 2.2 ) Extended treatment of VTE in adult patients with cancer Month 1: 200 units/kg subcutaneous once daily ( 2.3 ) Months 2 to 6: 150 units/kg subcutaneous once daily ( 2.3 ) Treatment of VTE in pediatric patients (see Table 5 ) ( 2.4 ) Age Group Starting Dose Birth (gestational age at least 35 weeks) to less than 2 Years 150 units/kg twice daily 2 Years to less than 8 Years 125 units/kg twice daily 8 Years to less than 17 Years 100 units/kg twice daily Do not use as intramuscular injection.
Warnings & precautions
Sourced from openFDA• Hemorrhage: Use caution in conditions with increased risk of hemorrhage ( 5.1 ) • Thrombocytopenia: Monitor thrombocytopenia of any degree closely ( 5.2 ) • Benzyl Alcohol Preservative: Do not use multiple-dose formulations in neonates and infants as they contain benzyl alcohol ( 5.3 ) • Laboratory Tests: Periodic blood counts recommended ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Risk of Hemorrhage including Spinal/Epidural Hematomas Spinal or epidural hemorrhage and subsequent hematomas can occur with the associated use of low molecular weight heparins or heparinoids and neuraxial (spinal/epidural) anesthesia or spinal puncture. The risk of these events is higher with the use of post-operative indwelling epidural catheters, with the concomitant use of additional drugs affecting hemostasis such as NSAIDs, with traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture, or in patients with a history of spinal surgery or spinal deformity [see Boxed Warning , Adverse Reactions (6.2) , and Drug Interactions (7) ] . To reduce the potential risk of bleeding associated with the concurrent use of FRAGMIN and epidural or spinal anesthesia/analgesia or spinal puncture, consider the pharmacokinetic profile of FRAGMIN [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Placement or removal of an epidural catheter or lumbar puncture is best performed when the anticoagulant effect of FRAGMIN is low; however, the exact timing to reach a sufficiently low anticoagulant effect in each patient is not known. No additional hemostasis-altering medications should be administered due to the additive effects.
Adverse reactions
Sourced from openFDAThe following clinically significant adverse reactions are described in more detail in other sections of the prescribing information . • Risk of Hemorrhage including Spinal/Epidural Hematomas [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Benzyl Alcohol Preservative Risk to Premature Infants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Most common adverse reactions (>1%) are: bleeding (including hemorrhage), thrombocytopenia (Type I), hematoma at the injection site, pain at the injection site, transient elevation of transaminases ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not accurately reflect the rates observed in practice. Hemorrhage The most commonly reported adverse reactions are hematoma at the injection site and hemorrhagic complications. The risk for bleeding varies with the indication and may increase with higher doses. Unstable Angina and Non-Q-Wave Myocardial Infarction Table 7 summarizes major bleeding reactions that occurred with FRAGMIN, heparin, and placebo in clinical trials of unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction.
Use in specific populations
Sourced from openFDA8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published literature and postmarketing reports have not reported a clear association with FRAGMIN and adverse developmental outcomes. There are risks to the mother associated with untreated VTE in pregnancy, and a potential for adverse effects on the preterm infant when FRAGMIN is used in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) . In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of embryo-fetal toxicity or teratogenicity when dalteparin sodium was administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses 2 to 4 times (rats) and 4 times (rabbits) the human dose of 100 units/kg dalteparin based on the body surface area (see Data ) . Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, FRAGMIN should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Pharmacokinetics
Sourced from openFDA- Metabolism
- Adults Mean peak levels of plasma anti-Xa activity following single subcutaneous doses of 2,500 units, 5,000 units and 10,000 units were 0.19 ± 0.04 units/mL, 0.41 ± 0.07 units/mL and 0.82 ± 0.10 units/mL, respectively, and were attained in about 4 hours in most subjects. Absolute bioavailability in healthy volunteers, measured as the anti-Xa activity, was 87 ± 6%.
Overdosage
Sourced from openFDAAn excessive dosage of FRAGMIN Injection may lead to hemorrhagic complications. These may generally be stopped by slow intravenous injection of protamine sulfate (1% solution), at a dose of 1 mg protamine for every 100 anti-Xa units of FRAGMIN given. If the APTT measured 2 hours to 4 hours after the first infusion remains prolonged, a second infusion of 0.5 mg protamine sulfate per 100 anti-Xa units of FRAGMIN may be administered. Even with these additional doses of protamine, the APTT may remain more prolonged than would usually be found following administration of unfractionated heparin. In all cases, the anti-Xa activity is never completely neutralized (maximum about 60% to 75%). Take particular care to avoid overdosage with protamine sulfate. Administration of protamine sulfate can cause severe hypotensive and anaphylactoid reactions. Because fatal reactions, often resembling anaphylaxis, have been reported with protamine sulfate, give protamine sulfate only when resuscitation techniques and treatment for anaphylactic shock are readily available. For additional information, consult the labeling of Protamine Sulfate Injection, USP, products.
Approval history
Sourced from openFDA- Dec 22, 1994NDANDA020287Pfizer
FAERS reports
- 1Nausea6866.6%
- 2Off Label Use6756.5%
- 3Pulmonary Embolism5845.6%
- 4Dyspnoea5735.5%
- 5Vomiting5535.3%
- 6Abdominal Pain5034.9%
- 7Pyrexia4864.7%
- 8Sepsis4764.6%
- 9Diarrhoea4594.4%
- 10Fatigue4464.3%
- 11General Physical Health Deterioration4394.2%
- 12Constipation4254.1%
- 13Anaemia4194.0%
- 14Death4124.0%
- 15Condition Aggravated3823.7%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Dalteparin as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in traumatic brain injury: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.BMJ open · 2025 · Pirouzmand F, Mathieu F, Mansouri A, et al.PMID 41453781DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-114158
- The win ratio for evaluating edoxaban vs dalteparin for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism: an analysis of the randomized Hokusai Venous Thromboembolism Cancer trial.Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH · 2026 · van Es N, Scheres LJJ, Sanfilippo KM, et al.PMID 41422947DOI 10.1016/j.jtha.2025.11.024
- High intensity interval training and dalteparin attenuate doxorubicin induced cardiac damage and FoxO4 protein level in rats.Scientific reports · 2025 · Baniasadi M, Rakhshan K, Ghardashi-Afousi A, et al.PMID 41276571DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-28394-8
- A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study on the Use of Weight-Adjusted Dalteparin in Patients Over 90 kg With Acute Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism-The WAVe Study.American journal of hematology · 2026 · Wang TF, Yeo E, Gross PL, et al.PMID 41211763DOI 10.1002/ajh.70127
- Overdose of low molecular weight heparin in an infant with stage 5 chronic kidney disease treated with hemofiltration.Pediatric nephrology (Berlin, Germany) · 2026 · Patel B, Marlais M, Mathias M, et al.PMID 40728746DOI 10.1007/s00467-025-06919-7
- Retrospective study of plasma anti-Xa levels in renally impaired patients receiving reduced or non-reduced therapeutic doses of dalteparin.European journal of hospital pharmacy : science and practice · 2026 · Pires KC, Mitrov-Winkelmolen L, Le HL, et al.PMID 40500112DOI 10.1136/ejhpharm-2024-004452
- Advantages of an abdominal anticoagulant subcutaneous injection procedure based on a personal digital assistant and positioning card system: A clinical trial with a historical control cohort.International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics · 2025 · Xia XF, Chen ZB, Fang CC, et al.PMID 40116201DOI 10.5414/CP204754
- Treatment and outcomes after on-treatment recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer: a post hoc analysis of the Hokusai venous thromboembolism cancer study.Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH · 2025 · Lanting VR, van Bergen En Henegouwen K, Bosch FTM, et al.PMID 40049418DOI 10.1016/j.jtha.2025.02.022
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 886 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Dalteparin as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- Emulation of the RECORD3 Trial Using Healthcare Claims DataActive not recruiting · Observational · 149,248 enrolled · Brigham and Women's HospitalNCT07599384updated 2026-06-11
- Replication of the RECORD1 Anticoagulant Trial in Healthcare Claims DataActive not recruiting · Observational · 89,215 enrolled · Brigham and Women's HospitalNCT05083455updated 2026-06-11
- Prevention of Postpartum Venous Thromboembolism in Women at Intermediate RiskRecruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 2,400 enrolled · University Hospital, BrestNCT06845423updated 2026-06-10
- Antithrombotic Treatment Strategies in Cervical Artery DissectionNot yet recruiting · Interventional · 1,100 enrolled · University Department of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTERNCT07639892updated 2026-06-10
- AntiCoagulation Versus AcetylSalicylic Acid After Transcatheter Aortic Valve ImplantationCompleted · Phase 3 · Interventional · 360 enrolled · Oslo University HospitalNCT05035277updated 2026-06-09
- Catheter-Related Early Thromboprophylaxis With Enoxaparin StudiesRecruiting · Phase 2 · Phase 3 · Interventional · 258 enrolled · Yale UniversityNCT04924322updated 2026-06-08
- A Study of Amivantamab in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors Including Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung CancerRecruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 520 enrolled · Janssen Research & Development, LLCNCT05498428updated 2026-06-05
- THRomboprophylaxis in Individuals Undergoing Superficial endoVEnous Treatment (THRIVE)Recruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 3,175 enrolled · Imperial College LondonNCT05735639updated 2026-06-04
- Effect of Abdominal Ice Pack After vNOTES HysterectomyEnrolling by invitation · Interventional · 122 enrolled · Erzincan Military HospitalNCT07626684updated 2026-06-04
- Ultrasound-facilitated, Catheter-directed, Thrombolysis in Intermediate-high Risk Pulmonary EmbolismActive not recruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 544 enrolled · Boston Scientific CorporationNCT04790370updated 2026-06-04
Frequently asked questions
- How does Dalteparin work?
- Dalteparin is a low molecular weight heparin with antithrombotic properties. It acts by enhancing the inhibition of Factor Xa and thrombin by antithrombin.
- What is Dalteparin used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Dalteparin carries indications including: FRAGMIN is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) indicated for • Prophylaxis of ischemic complications of unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction ( 1.1 ) • Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in abdominal surgery, hip replacement surgery or medical patients with severely restricted mobility during acute illness ( 1.2 ) • Extended treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) to reduce the recurrence in adult patients with cancer. In these patients, the FRAGMIN therapy begins with the initial VTE treatment and continues for six months ( 1.3 ) • Treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) to reduce the recurrence in pediatric patients from birth (gestational age at least 35 weeks) ( 1.4 ) • Limitations of Use FRAGMIN is not indicated for the acute treatment of VTE ( 1.5 ) 1.1 Prophylaxis of Ischemic Complications in Unstable Angina and Non-Q-Wave Myocardial Infarction FRAGMIN Injection is indicated for the prophylaxis of ischemic complications in unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, when concurrently administered with aspirin therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] .. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Dalteparin?
- Dalteparin is classified as Heparin group, Anti-coagulant, Low Molecular Weight Heparin, Antithrombins, Enzyme Activators, Factor Xa Inhibitors, Serine Proteinase Inhibitors, Decreased Coagulation Factor Activity.
- What are the brand names for Dalteparin?
- Dalteparin is marketed under brand names including Fragmin.
- What are the contraindications for Dalteparin?
- Dalteparin labeling lists contraindications including: FRAGMIN is contraindicated in: • Patients with active major bleeding. • Patients with a history of heparin induced thrombocytopenia or heparin induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
dalteparin is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.