Table 2: Heparin vs. Warfarin Summary Chart

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Table 2: Heparin vs. Warfarin Summary Chart


HeparinWarfarin
How fast does it work?Within minutesDays later
How is it given?InjectedBy mouth
Where does it work? In the bloodIn the liver
How does it work?Enhances ATIII activity, increases inhibition of thrombin (factor IIa)Prevents Vitamin K from modifying factors II, VII, IX, and X to their active form
Lab monitoring?aPTT, with goal aPTT 1.5 - 2.5X reference rangeINR (PT) with goal INR of 2-3
Antidote in toxicity?ProtamineVitamin K
How long is it used?For a shorter period of timeLong term
Safe in pregnancy?YesNo