Topical heparin analogue Pregnancy: There is no evidence to suggest that Hirudoid should not be used during pregnancy and lactation

Heparinoid

Brand names: Hirudoid

Heparinoid is a topical preparation used to relieve superficial soft-tissue conditions such as bruising, superficial thrombophlebitis and haematomas.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Two to six inches (5–15 cm) of cream applied to the affected area and gently massaged into the skin

Route: Topical (cutaneous) — for external use only

Frequency: Up to four times daily

Source: eMC SPC for Hirudoid Cream, §4.2 — the same dose applies to adults, the elderly and children over 5 years of age. PAEDIATRIC: no separate or per-kg paediatric dose is stated; children over 5 years use the adult dose, and the SPC contraindicates use in children under 5 years. Do not exceed the stated dose. Not to be used on large areas of skin, broken skin, sensitive areas of skin or mucous membranes. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice. FIRE HAZARD (§4.4): instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames — fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard; washing may reduce but not totally remove product build-up.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Not to be used on large areas of skin, broken skin, sensitive areas of skin or mucous membranes
Known sensitivity to any active or inactive component of the formulation
Children under 5 years of age

Side effects

None known (§4.8)
Contains cetostearyl alcohol and lanolin, which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis) (§4.4)
Contains propyl parahydroxybenzoate and ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed) (§4.4)

Interactions

None known (§4.5)

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a heparin-like polysulphated mucopolysaccharide thought to have local anti-inflammatory and anti-oedematous actions that aid resorption of superficial extravasated blood and fluid.

Prescribing in practice

It is for external use on intact skin only and should not be applied to broken skin, open wounds, mucous membranes or near the eyes.
Discontinue if local irritation or a hypersensitivity reaction occurs.
It is intended for superficial conditions and is not a treatment for deep vein thrombosis or other conditions requiring systemic anticoagulation.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is required; review symptomatic response and local skin tolerability.

Counselling the patient

Apply gently to the affected area on unbroken skin and avoid the eyes and open wounds.
Stop if the skin becomes irritated or a rash develops.
Seek medical advice if a limb becomes painful, swollen or hot, which may indicate a deeper clot.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical heparinoids are an established symptomatic option for superficial bruising and thrombophlebitis, used as supportive rather than definitive therapy.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways