Unfractionated heparin refers to what in terms of administration?

Unfractionated heparin refers to what in terms of administration?

• A. Intravenous or subcutaneous
• B. Oral
• C. Intramuscular
• D. Topical

Answer: (A)

Unfractionated heparin must be given by parenteral routes because it would be destroyed or not absorbed if taken by mouth, and it needs rapid, controllable anticoagulation. The two common administration routes are intravenous (for immediate effect and tight control, often as an IV bolus with continuous infusion) and subcutaneous (for ongoing prophylaxis or less urgent treatment). Oral administration is ineffective due to poor bioavailability, intramuscular injections are avoided in anticoagulated patients because of bleeding risk and unpredictable absorption, and topical application wouldn’t provide systemic anticoagulation.

Unfractionated heparin must be given by parenteral routes because it would be destroyed or not absorbed if taken by mouth, and it needs rapid, controllable anticoagulation. The two common administration routes are intravenous (for immediate effect and tight control, often as an IV bolus with continuous infusion) and subcutaneous (for ongoing prophylaxis or less urgent treatment). Oral administration is ineffective due to poor bioavailability, intramuscular injections are avoided in anticoagulated patients because of bleeding risk and unpredictable absorption, and topical application wouldn’t provide systemic anticoagulation.