Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin. It is used to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (clots) or pulmonary embolism, and is given as a subcutaneous injection. Enoxaparin binds to and accelerates the activity of its cofactor, the antithrombin III. By activating antithrombin III, enoxaparin inhibits the coagulation factors. Inhibition of this coagulation factors results in decreased clot formation.
Enoxaparin is used to prevent deep vein thrombosis, which may lead to pulmonary embolism (clot in lungs). It is also used in the management of unstable angina and specific type of heart attack, when concurrently administered with aspirin.
Enoxaparin acts at multiple sites in the normal coagulation system. Once active thrombosis (clot) has developed, administration of enoxaparin can inhibit further coagulation. Enoxaparin also prevents the formation of a stable fibrin clot by inhibiting the activation of the fibrin stabilizing factor.
Those undergoing Coronary Angioplasty have an increased risk of clot formation within the stent after the procedure that can be dangerous. To reduce this risk enoxaparin is administered to patient patients undergoing Coronary Angioplasty