Lack of in vitro interaction between heparin and nitroglycerin

American Journal of Clinical Pathology
A D BarnesA K Wittkowsky

Abstract

Nitroglycerin has been reported to reduce activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values in patients treated with concurrent heparin and nitroglycerin. However, in vivo studies have yielded conflicting results. In this in vitro evaluation, nitroglycerin was added to samples of pooled plasma from normal volunteers in concentrations of 0, 1, 10, 50, 100, 150, and 200 ng/mL. Preservative-free heparin was then added to the samples to produce final concentrations of 0, 0.3, and 0.6 U/mL. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was determined for each sample using a single reagent. There were no significant differences in aPTT values among increasing nitroglycerin concentrations for any of the three levels of heparinization. No direct effect of nitroglycerin on the anticoagulant effect of heparin was observed, as measured by aPTT.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Antianginal Drugs: Mechanisms of Action

Antianginal drugs, including nitrates, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers, are used in the treatment of angina pectoris. Here is the latest research on their use and their mechanism of action.

Blood Clotting Disorders

Thrombophilia includes conditions with increased tendency for excessive blood clotting. Blood clotting occurs when the body has insufficient amounts of specialized proteins that make blood clot and stop bleeding. Here is the latest research on blood clotting disorders.