Drug interactions
Heparin + Nitroglycerin rectal
Severity: Minor
Heparin and Nitroglycerin rectal: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Intravenous nitroglycerin has been reported to reduce the anticoagulant effect of heparin, though results are inconsistent. Rectal nitroglycerin gives low systemic exposure, so a meaningful interaction is less likely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Heparin and Nitroglycerin rectal have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
The proposed mechanism is not established, possibly altered heparin-antithrombin interaction or hemodynamic effects.
What to do
Monitor aPTT or anti-Xa in patients on therapeutic heparin who start or stop nitroglycerin. Adjust the heparin dose only if measured anticoagulation changes.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Heparin
- Defibrotide + Heparin Contraindicated
- Heparin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Heparin + Oritavancin Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Heparin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Heparin Major
- Alteplase + Heparin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Heparin with Nitroglycerin rectal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Heparin and Nitroglycerin rectal have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Intravenous nitroglycerin has been reported to reduce the anticoagulant effect of heparin, though results are inconsistent. Rectal nitroglycerin gives low systemic exposure, so a meaningful interaction is less likely.
How serious is the interaction between Heparin and Nitroglycerin rectal?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor aPTT or anti-Xa in patients on therapeutic heparin who start or stop nitroglycerin. Adjust the heparin dose only if measured anticoagulation changes.
What other medicines interact with Heparin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Heparin with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Oritavancin. The full list is on the Heparin page.
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