A fast-acting anticoagulant medication that prevents blood clot formation by enhancing the activity of antithrombin. It's administered by injection and commonly used in hospitals for immediate anticoagulation during surgeries, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms.
From Greek 'hepar' meaning 'liver', where it was first discovered in 1916 by medical student Jay McLean. The name reflects its original isolation from liver tissue, though it's now produced from pig intestines or synthetically.
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