Enoxaparin and dalteparin in unstable angina: new indication. Enoxaparin: a reference treatment. Dalteparin: no better than unfractionated heparin.
(1) Enoxaparin and dalteparin are the only low-molecular-weight heparins so far approved for the treatment of unstable angina and non Q-wave myocardial infarction.  (2) In two trials involving over 7,000 patients with unstable angina or non Q-wave myocardial infarction, the enoxaparin + aspirin combination was more effective than the unfractionated heparin + aspirin combination in reducing the risk of death, myocardial infarction or angina relapse.  (3) In the same indication another trial showed no significant difference between the dalteparin + aspirin combination and the unfractionated heparin + aspirin combination on the basis of the same end point.  (4) The dose must be calculated precisely according to bodyweight, as there is a severe risk of bleeding if the recommended dose is exceeded.  (5) Continued enoxaparin therapy after clinical stabilisation has no supplementary benefit compared with aspirin alone.
D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin; D017985:Dalteparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000925:Anticoagulants; D017984:Enoxaparin; D001241:Aspirin; D017985:Dalteparin