Low molecular weight heparins.

Low molecular weight heparins are derived from unfractionated heparin by chemical or enzymatic depolymerization; as a result, the mean molecular weight of unfractionated heparin is reduced by about one third and its biochemical and pharmacologic properties are improved. Demonstrated advantages of low molecular weight heparins over unfractionated heparin are the greater bioavailability at low doses, the longer half-life, and the more predictable …