Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)

Enoxaparin sodium

Brand names: Clexane, Inhixa

Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) given by subcutaneous injection for venous-thromboembolism prevention and treatment 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

See full prescribing information for dosing and administration information. ( 2 ) 2.1 Pretreatment Evaluation Evaluate all patients for a bleeding disorder before starting enoxaparin sodium treatment, unless treatment is urgently needed. 2.2 Adult Dosage Abdominal Surgery The recommended dose of enoxaparin sodium is 40 mg by subcutaneous injection once a day (with the initial dose given 2 hours prior to surgery) in patients undergoing abdominal surgery who are at risk for thromboembolic complications. The usual duration of administration is 7 to 10 days [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery The recommended dose of enoxaparin sodium is 30 mg every 12 hours …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2024-06-21. 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 binds antithrombin to inhibit factor Xa (and, to a lesser extent, thrombin), preventing clot propagation.

Prescribing in practice

It accumulates in renal impairment — dose-reduce, and consider anti-Xa monitoring at extremes of body weight or renal function.
There is a risk of spinal/epidural haematoma if it is used around neuraxial (spinal/epidural) anaesthesia — observe the timing rules.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can occur (monitor platelets); protamine only partially reverses it.

Monitoring

Monitor renal function, platelet count (for HIT), anti-Xa in selected patients, and signs of bleeding.

Counselling the patient

It is a subcutaneous injection — technique is taught for home use.
Report bleeding or bruising.
Tell anaesthetists you take it before any spinal or epidural procedure.

Evidence & guidelines

Standard for VTE prophylaxis/treatment and ACS (NICE NG89/NG158).

Reference: NICE NG89; NICE NG158; RCOG GTG 37a/37b; BSH guidelines; 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).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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