Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is a type of anticoagulant medication used to prevent and treat blood clots. It is derived from unfractionated heparin (UFH), which is a natural anticoagulant that is extracted from animal tissues.
LMWH is created by chemically modifying UFH to produce smaller molecules that have a more predictable and consistent effect on blood clotting. Unlike UFH, LMWH can be administered subcutaneously, which means it can be self-administered by patients or given by healthcare professionals without requiring a hospital stay.
LMWH works by binding to antithrombin III, a natural blood protein that inactivates clotting factors. By binding to antithrombin III, LMWH enhances its activity, which helps to prevent the formation of blood clots.
LMWH is commonly used to prevent blood clots in people who have had surgery or are at high risk for clotting. It is also used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and other conditions that involve blood clotting. LMWH has a lower risk of causing bleeding complications compared to UFH, making it a preferred choice in many clinical situations.