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Enoxaparin

The correct term for Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant, however, I have put it within this generic heading because it is used in similar ways to the other ‘blood thinners’ in this group.

It is  is a ‘low molecular weight heparin’ marketed under the trade names Lovenox [see separate entry] and Clexane, among others. It is used to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and is given as a subcutaneous injection (by a health care provider or the patient). Its use is evolving in acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Enoxaparin binds to and accelerates the activity of antithrombin III. By activating antithrombin III, it “preferentially potentiates the inhibition of coagulation factors Xa and Iia”. Factor Xa catalyses the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, so enoxaparin’s inhibition of this process results in decreased thrombin and ultimately the prevention of fibrin clot formation.