SPL Set ID: 6d5eae7d-a5f6-411c-b589-3e5f7eecc875

Heparin is a heterogeneous group of straight-chain anionic mucopolysaccharides, called glycosaminoglycans, having anticoagulant properties. Although others may be present, the main sugars occurring in heparin are: (1) α-L-iduronic acid 2-sulfate, (2) 2-deoxy-2-sulfamino-α-D-glucose 6-sulfate, (3) ß-D-glucuronic acid, (4) 2- acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-glucose and (5) α-L-iduronic acid. These sugars are present in decreasing amounts, usually in the order (2)> (1)> (4)> (3)> (5), and are joined by glycosidic linkages, forming polymers of varying sizes. Heparin is strongly acidic because of its content of covalently linked sulfate and carboxylic acid groups. In heparin sodium, the acidic protons of the sulfate units are partially replaced by sodium ions. Heparin Sodium Injection, USP is a sterile solution of heparin sodium derived from porcine intestinal mucosa, standardized for anticoagulant activity, in water for injection. It is to be administered by intravenous or deep subcutaneous routes. The potency is determined by a biological assay using a USP reference standard based on units of heparin activity per milligram. Structure of Heparin Sodium (representative subunits): Figure Heparin Sodium Injection, USP (porcine), preservative free, is available as follows: Each mL of the 1,000 units per mL preparation contains: 1,000 USP Heparin units (porcine); 9 mg sodium chloride; Water for Injection q.s. Made isotonic with sodium chloride. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added for pH adjustment (5.0 to 7.5). Heparin Sodium Injection, USP (porcine), preserved with benzyl alcohol, is available as follows: Each mL of the 20,000 units per mL preparation contains: 20,000 USP Heparin units (porcine); 0.01 mL benzyl alcohol (as a preservative); Water for Injection q.s. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added for pH adjustment (5.0-7.5).