Clexane and alcohol - are they compatible?
introduction
Clexane® is the trade name for the drug enoxaparin, which belongs to the group of so-called low molecular weight heparins.
Two large groups of heparins can be roughly distinguished. In addition to the low molecular weight heparins, these include the unfractionated heparins.
Low molecular weight heparins have an anticoagulant effect by affecting normal blood clotting in the human body.
They increase the effect of antithrombin III a thousandfold and thus its anticoagulant effect on the coagulation factors Xa and IIa, which inhibits the coagulation cascade.
The application of the low molecular weight heparins takes place as an injection into the adipose tissue.
Clexane® is available in different strengths. Pre-filled syringes with 20mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg or 100mg Clexane® are used.
Also read our topic: Clexane® 40
The area of application differs depending on the dose.
Clexane® 20 mg finds for example after operations in those patients who use a low or medium risk of thrombosis exhibit.
High doses of Clexane®, for example an 80 mg pre-filled syringe, come with a so-called deep vein thrombosis, i.e. an occlusion of a leg vein with a blood clot, is used.
The use of heparins in general and Clexane® in particular can lead to dangerous complications to lead.
A dangerous and common side effect of therapy is a so-called Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. One differentiates a harmless type I from a dangerous type II, in which one antibody-mediated response which can lead to blood clots.
Tolerance of Clexane and alcohol
When one speaks of alcohol, one usually means drinking alcohol, which is also known as ethanol.
Ethanol is an intoxicant and stimulant that is absorbed in the oral mucosa, the stomach and the small intestine after consumption. The absorption process takes about an hour, depending on the stomach filling.
The metabolism of low molecular weight heparins as well as Clexane® takes place mainly through the kidneys. Therefore, they must not be administered in severe renal insufficiency. Alcohol, on the other hand, is largely produced in the liver through enzymes Alcohol dehydrogenase and Aldehyde dehydrogenase metabolized. Furthermore, the so-called microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS) play a role in the breakdown of alcohol, but to a lesser extent. This is particularly important with higher alcohol concentrations MEOS in importance because it is precisely then that it becomes much more active. A small amount of alcohol is also excreted through the breath. It can thus be said that Clexane® and alcohol are not broken down via the same metabolic pathways and theoretically do not inhibit each other's breakdown.
In principle, however, drug interactions with alcohol can never be completely ruled out and predicted. Therefore alcohol consumption should be avoided while taking Clexane®. Read more on the subject at: Clexane® interactions
Furthermore, the drug interactions naturally also depend on the Amount of alcohol consumed from. Moderate, occasional and therefore low-risk alcohol consumption is understood to mean Women the consumption of less than 12 grams of alcohol per day and at Men a consumption of less than 24 grams of alcohol per day, whereby no alcohol may be consumed on at least two days per week.10 grams of alcohol correspond roughly to a standard glass of sparkling wine (0.1l) or a standard glass of beer (0.25l).
In general, however, you should always ask your doctor for advice if you are taking medications such as Clexane® Consume alcohol.
At a chronic alcohol abuse it comes to one Fatty liver and finally to a scarred remodeling of what is called the liver Cirrhosis of the liver is known. As the liver for the Production of coagulation factors in the body, long-term damage can lead to problems with blood clotting. As a result, a lack of coagulation factors increases the risk of bleeding - it can life-threatening bleeding occur. As a result, drugs that inhibit blood clotting may not be used. This also applies to the use of Clexane®. In addition, the coordination and the sense of balance decrease under alcohol consumption, what the risk of falling and at the same time taking anticoagulant drugs like Clexane® also the risk for very dangerous bleeding elevated. Therefore should Avoided alcohol consumption become.
