What is the halflife of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)?

The half-life of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is an important pharmacokinetic parameter, particularly in the context of its clinical use for anticoagulation. LMWH typically has a half-life ranging from approximately 4 to 5 hours, which is influenced by various factors including the specific type of LMWH used, the dose administered, and individual patient factors such as renal function.

This half-life is longer than that of unfractionated heparin, which is often only 1 to 2 hours. The extended half-life of LMWH allows for less frequent dosing compared to unfractionated heparin, facilitating outpatient management of conditions that require anticoagulation, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism prevention.

In summary, the 4 to 5 hour half-life reflects the pharmacological characteristics of LMWH, contributing to its efficacy as an anticoagulant and influencing clinical decisions regarding patient management and medication scheduling.