What is another name for dalteparin? Understanding the Drug Fragmin

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

With an average molecular weight of approximately 5,000, dalteparin is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) used widely for its anticoagulant properties. What is another name for dalteparin? It is most commonly known and marketed under the brand name Fragmin.

Quick Summary

Dalteparin, an injectable anticoagulant known by the brand name Fragmin, is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) used for preventing and treating dangerous blood clots. It is prescribed for various conditions, including after surgery, for immobilized patients, and in certain heart and cancer-related cases.

Key Points

Brand Name: The most common brand name for the generic drug dalteparin is Fragmin.
Drug Class: Dalteparin is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), which is a type of anticoagulant, or blood thinner.
Primary Function: It works by primarily inhibiting Factor Xa, a key protein involved in the blood-clotting process.
Common Uses: It is used to prevent and treat blood clots in conditions such as DVT, PE, and unstable angina, particularly in hospitalized patients or those recovering from surgery.
Administration: The medication is administered via subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, with patients sometimes learning to self-inject.
Key Risks: The main risks include bleeding and the potential for a severe spinal hematoma in patients receiving spinal anesthesia or a spinal tap.
Monitoring: Unlike unfractionated heparin, dalteparin does not typically require routine aPTT monitoring for therapeutic effect.

The Alternative Name: Fragmin

Dalteparin is the generic name for an anticoagulant medication. Its most prominent brand name is Fragmin. Dalteparin belongs to a class of drugs called low molecular weight heparins (LMWH). These medications function as "blood thinners" by preventing new blood clots from forming and existing clots from growing. Both generic and brand names are important for patients to identify their prescribed medication correctly.

Dalteparin vs. Unfractionated Heparin: A Comparison

Dalteparin differs from standard unfractionated heparin (UFH) in several ways, which can influence treatment decisions.


Feature	Dalteparin (LMWH)	Unfractionated Heparin (UFH)
Molecular Weight	Lower (around 5,000 Da)	Higher (variable, around 15,000 Da)
Bioavailability	High (around 87%) after subcutaneous injection	Lower and less predictable after subcutaneous injection
Half-Life	Longer, allowing for once-daily dosing in many cases	Shorter, often requiring multiple injections or continuous IV infusion
Targeted Action	Preferentially inhibits Factor Xa over Factor IIa (thrombin)	Inhibits both Factor Xa and Factor IIa (thrombin)
Monitoring	Routine monitoring with activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is generally not needed	Requires frequent monitoring of aPTT to ensure therapeutic levels
HIT Risk	Lower incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)	Higher risk of causing HIT

How Does Dalteparin (Fragmin) Work?

Dalteparin works primarily by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III (AT-III), a natural protein that inhibits blood clotting factors. Dalteparin increases AT-III's ability to inhibit Factor Xa, a key component in the coagulation cascade that leads to clot formation. This action disrupts the clotting process without completely eliminating the body's ability to form clots. Dalteparin's more predictable effects and longer half-life compared to UFH often make it more convenient. It is given as a subcutaneous injection, and patients can often self-administer at home, making it suitable for outpatient care and extended treatment.

Key Uses of Dalteparin

Dalteparin is used to prevent or treat blood clots in various medical situations, including:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Prevention: Preventing blood clots in the legs after certain surgeries (like hip or abdominal surgery) or in acutely ill patients with limited mobility.
Treatment of Heart Conditions: Used with aspirin to prevent complications in patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction.
Extended Treatment for Cancer Patients: Reducing the risk of recurrent DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) in adults with cancer.
Pediatric VTE Treatment: Treating symptomatic VTE in children aged one month and older.
Hemodialysis Anticoagulation: Preventing clotting in hemodialysis equipment.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

The most significant side effect of dalteparin is bleeding, which can range from minor bruising at the injection site to severe hemorrhage. Patients should watch for signs like unusual bruising, nosebleeds, blood in urine, or black stools and contact their doctor.

Other potential issues and warnings include:

Thrombocytopenia: A low platelet count, though the risk is less than with UFH. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a more severe form, is rare but requires urgent medical care.
Spinal/Epidural Hematoma: There is a boxed warning about the risk of spinal or epidural hematoma when dalteparin is used in patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia or having a spinal tap. This rare complication can cause permanent paralysis.
Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, or bruising at the injection site are common but usually not severe.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, severe allergic reactions are possible.
Contraindications: Dalteparin should not be used in individuals with active major bleeding, a history of HIT, or a hypersensitivity to pork products.

Conclusion

Dalteparin is known by the brand name Fragmin and is a key low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) used to prevent and treat dangerous blood clots. Its more predictable effects and longer duration of action offer advantages over traditional heparin. Dalteparin is important in managing cardiovascular issues and in post-operative care. However, due to the risk of bleeding, it must be used under medical supervision, and patients should report any signs of bleeding immediately. More information on dalteparin is available from resources like MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dalteparin is a type of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) that has a more predictable and longer-lasting effect, higher bioavailability after subcutaneous injection, and generally doesn't require routine aPTT monitoring, unlike standard unfractionated heparin.

Dalteparin is given as a subcutaneous injection into the fatty tissue beneath the skin. It should not be injected into muscle.

Common side effects include bleeding, easy bruising, and reactions like pain or bruising at the injection site. More serious effects like major bleeding and spinal hematoma are less common.

While rare, dalteparin can cause a serious spinal or epidural hematoma in patients undergoing spinal procedures, which may lead to permanent paralysis. This risk is mentioned in a boxed warning from the FDA.

Dalteparin is generally considered safe during pregnancy, and studies haven't shown harm to the fetus. However, some formulations contain a preservative potentially harmful to premature infants, so a healthcare provider will determine if a preservative-free version is necessary.

An overdose of dalteparin can cause excessive bleeding, potentially seen as unusual bruising, blood in urine or stools, or vomiting blood. Protamine sulfate can be used as an antidote in case of overdose.

In adult cancer patients, dalteparin is used for extended treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE), like DVT and PE, to lower the risk of clots returning.