Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Enoxaparin

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
Lovenox
Classification: 
Antithrombotic-low molecular weight heparin
Original Date: 
August 2003
Revised Date: 
April 2017
Indications: 
  • Prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders
Administration: 
  • SC
Dosage: 

< 2 months:

  • Treatment dose: 3.5 mg/kg/day divided Q12H
  • Prophylactic dose: 1.5 mg/kg/day daily or divided Q12H

> 2 months and PNA > 38 weeks:

  • Treatment dose: 2 mg/kg/day divided Q12H
  • Prophylactic dose: 1 mg/kg/day daily or divided Q12H
Side Effects: 
  • CNS: fever
  • CVS: edema, hypotension
  • Hematologic: bruising, hematemesis, nosebleed, melena, coffee ground emesis, hematuria, hemoptysis, thrombocytopenia (incidence or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is less than with heparin therapy)
  • Local: irritation, pain, hematoma, local erythema
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • CBC, PT, and APTT prior to initiation of enoxaparin
  • Platelets, antifactor Xa level (if initial measurement is therapeutic, monitor once weekly)
  • Serum creatinine (elimination may be delayed in renal impairment-monitor antifactor Xa levels closely)
  • Therapeutic antifactor Xa level (measure 4 - 6 hours after SC administration)
    • Treatment dose: 0.5 - 1 unit/mL
    • Prophylactic dose: 0.2 - 0.4 units/mL
Reconstitution and Stability: 

CHEO:

  •  20 mg/mL Enoxaparin syringe prepared by pharmacy (doses < 10 mg)
  • 100 mg/mL Enoxaparin syringe prepared by pharmacy (doses > 10 mg)

TOH:

  • Enoxaparin 30 mg/0.3 mL - prefilled syringe
    • Take 0.3 mL (30 mg) add to 1.2 mL of 0.9% NaCl
    • Final concentration: 20 mg/mL
Compatibility: 

N/A

Notes: 
  • Antidote:
    • Discontinue enoxaparin
    • 1 mg of protamine per 100 units (1 mg) of enoxaparin given in last dose (administer protamine IV over 10 minutes)
  • Hold enoxaparin for 2 doses prior to invasive procedures (eg. Spinal puncture)
References: 

- Monagle P, Chan AK, Goldenberg NA, Ichord RN, Journeycake JM, Nowak-Gottl U, Vesely SK.  Antithrombotic therapy in neonates and children: antithrombotic therapy and prevention of thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest: 2012 Feb; 141 (2 Suppl): e737S-801S.

- Malowany, J.I., Knoppert, D.C., Chan, A.K.C., Pepelassis, D., and Lee, D.S.C. (2007). Enoxaparin Use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Experience Over 8 Years.  Pharmacotherapy, 27: 1263-1271.

-Taketomo CK, Hodding JH, Kraus DM. Pediatric Dosage Handbook 22nd Editions. Hudson: Lexi-Comp Inc.; 2015

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