UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Title: Enoxaparin Dosing in Obese Patients

Keywords: enoxaparin, VTE, obese, low molecular weight heparin (PubMed Search)

Posted: 4/1/2011 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Emailed: 4/2/2011) (Updated: 4/2/2011)
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For patients with normal renal function, enoxaparin dosing for treatment of VTE is 1 mg/kg subcut every 12 hours OR 1.5 mg/kg subcut every 24 hours.

Studies have evaluated dosing for patients weighing up to 190 kg and found the 1 mg/kg q 12 hours dose to be safe and effective.  It can even be used for patients heavier than 190 kg, but anti-Xa monitoring is recommended.

References

Nutescu EA, Spinler SA, Wittkowsky A, et al. Low-molecular-weight heparins in renal impairment and obesity: available evidence and clinical practice recommendations across medical and surgical settings. Ann Pharmacother 2009;43(6):1064-83.