Danaparoid sodium

General information

Danaparoid is a low molecular heparinoid consisting of a mixture of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (heparan, dermatan, and chondroitin sulfates). It has an antithrombotic effect via antithrombin III-mediated inhibition of factor Xa and to a lesser extent through inhibition of factor IIa. The ratio of antifactor Xa to antifactor IIa is over 20.

Danaparoid is as effective as heparins in inhibiting the formation of thrombi. Its major advantage over low molecular weight heparins is its low rate of cross-reactivity with heparin-associated antibodies from patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia [ ], although in one series of 18 patients with suspected heparin allergy there were positive skin tests showing cross-reactivity between heparins and danaparoid in 11 [ ]. It should not be used if there is in vitro cross-reactivity between heparin and danaparoid.

Organs and systems