Defibrotide affects the anticoagulant and lipase-releasing activities of heparin

Defibrotide (DEF), an antithrombotic drug with no anticoagulant activity, given concomitantly with heparin potentiates its effects on thrombin time and lipase-releasing activity. Unlike heparin, DEF has hardly any lipase-releasing activity of its own. Most likely DEF interferes with pharmacokinetics of heparin. It is clear from the data reported here that when used in combination with DEF heparin should be administered at low doses and the coagulation parameters carefully followed.