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Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)

Dalteparin sodium

Brand names: Fragmin

Dalteparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin given by subcutaneous injection for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (including cancer-associated thrombosis) and in acute coronary syndromes.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

Indication 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 …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2025-09-30. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It potentiates antithrombin, mainly inhibiting factor Xa.

Prescribing in practice

  • Doses are by indication and body weight; reduce in renal impairment, as it is renally cleared.
  • Consider anti-Xa monitoring at extremes of body weight, in significant renal impairment, and in pregnancy.
  • Observe timing windows around neuraxial procedures and be alert to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Monitoring

Monitor platelets (for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia) and renal function; check anti-Xa in selected patients.

Counselling the patient

  • It is an injection under the skin; rotate the injection sites.
  • Some bruising at the site is common; report unusual or heavy bleeding.

Evidence & guidelines

An LMWH used for VTE prevention and treatment (including in cancer) and in ACS, with renal dose adjustment.

Reference: NICE NG89; NICE NG158; RCOG GTG 37a; BSH; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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