Heparin

Also indexed as: Calciparine, Hepalean, Heparin Leo, Minihep, Minihep Calcium, Monoparin, Monoparin Calcium, Multiparin, Pump-Hep, Unihep, Uniparin Calcium, Uniparin Forte

Illustration

Heparin is a natural product, available by prescription, which is used as an anticoagulant (slows the rate of blood clot formation). Blood clots can cause severe and life-threatening problems. Heparin is used to prevent formation of blood clots (after surgery and in other settings) and in circumstances to help dissolve blood clots already formed (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and other situations involving excessive blood clotting).

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Beneficial May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them.

Vitamin D
Avoid Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.

Digitalis*

Dong quai*

Fenugreek*

Ginger*

Ginkgo biloba*

Horse chestnut*

Red clover*

Reishi

Sweet clover*

Sweet woodruff*
Check Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.

Potassium
Side effect reduction/prevention

None known
Supportive interaction

None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability

None known
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An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

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Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Potassium
Heparin therapy may cause hyperkalemia (abnormally high potassium levels).1 2 Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes (No Salt®, Morton Salt Substitute®, and others), and even high-potassium foods (primarily fruit) should be avoided by persons on heparin therapy, unless directed otherwise by their doctor.

Vitamin D
Heparin may interfere with activation of vitamin D in the body.3 Osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) has been reported in patients who received high amounts of heparin for a few months.4 Osteopenia (decreased bone density) has been reported in women who received heparin therapy during pregnancy.5 6

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Interactions with Herbs

Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea)
Digitalis refers to a group of plants commonly called foxglove, which contains chemicals related to the drug digoxin. Digitalis may interfere with the anticoagulant action of heparin, reducing its action.7 Digitalis should only be used under the direct supervision of a doctor trained in its use.

Ginger
Ginger has been shown to reduce platelet stickiness in test tubes. Although there are no reports of interactions with anticoagulant drugs, people should consult a healthcare professional if they are taking an anticoagulant and wish to use ginger.8

Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo extracts may reduce the ability of platelets to stick together, possibly increasing the tendency toward bleeding.9 Standardised extracts of ginkgo have been associated with two cases of spontaneous bleeding, although the ginkgo extracts were not definitively shown to be the cause of the problem.10 11 People taking heparin should consult with a physician knowledgeable about botanical medicines if they are considering taking ginkgo.

Herbs containing coumarin-derivatives
Although there are no specific studies demonstrating interactions with anticoagulants, the following herbs contain coumarin-like substances that may interact with heparin and could conceivably cause bleeding.12 These herbs include dong quai, fenugreek, horse chestnut, red clover, sweet clover, and sweet woodruff. People should consult a healthcare professional if they’re taking an anticoagulant and wish to use one of these herbs.

Reishi(Ganoderma lucidum)
As it may increase bleeding time, reishi is not recommended for those taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications.13

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Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Alcohol
Alcohol consumption during heparin therapy may increase the risk of serious bleeding.14 It is important for people receiving heparin to avoid alcohol during the entire course of heparin therapy.

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References
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