Enoxaparin and Dalteparin Dosing for VTE Prophylaxis and Treatment
Prophylactic and therapeutic dosing of low-molecular-weight heparins depends on indication and the specific LMWH product. Standard adult regimens for enoxaparin and dalteparin are listed below based on FDA prescribing information. [1][2]
Enoxaparin (Lovenox) Prophylaxis
Subcutaneous VTE prophylaxis dosing commonly includes the following adult regimens: [1]
- 40 mg subcutaneously once daily. [1]
- 30 mg subcutaneously every 12 hours. [1]
- 30 mg subcutaneously once daily (prophylaxis after abdominal surgery). [1]
Enoxaparin (Lovenox) Treatment
Subcutaneous therapeutic dosing commonly includes the following adult regimens: [1]
- 1 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours. [1]
- 1.5 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily. [1]
Dalteparin (Fragmin) Prophylaxis
Subcutaneous VTE prophylaxis dosing commonly includes the following adult regimens: [2]
- 5,000 IU subcutaneously once daily for medical patients with severely restricted mobility during acute illness. [2]
- Abdominal surgery prophylaxis dosing options: 2,500 IU once daily or 5,000 IU once daily. [2]
- Abdominal surgery prophylaxis option: 2,500 IU once daily followed by 2,500 IU subcutaneously 12 hours later, then 5,000 IU once daily. [2]
Dalteparin (Fragmin) Treatment
Subcutaneous therapeutic dosing commonly includes the following adult regimen: [2]
- Cancer-associated VTE: 200 IU/kg subcutaneously once daily for the first 30 days, followed by 150 IU/kg subcutaneously once daily for months 2 through 6. [2]
Practical Dosing Clarifications
Dose selection should be indication-specific because dosing schedules differ by surgery type, prophylaxis setting, and therapeutic indication. [1][2]
Dose Conversion Between Prophylactic and Therapeutic Regimens
Therapeutic LMWH dosing should not be used as a substitute for prophylaxis dosing because the recommended dosing schedules differ by regimen class and indication. [1][2]