Q: Can Unfractionated Heparin be given as intermittent IV doses instead of continuous IV infusion?

Answer: Yes

Unfractionated Heparin (UH) is mostly given as continuous IV infusion, but if running out of ports at IV sites, heparin can be given as intermittent IV doses every 4-6 hours.

In intermittent IV dosing, usual initial bolus is 10,000 units instead of 5,000 units, which is usually a 'rule of thumb dose' in continuous IV infusion. aPTT should be measured before dosing of Heparin every 4-6 hours in intermittent IV dosing of UH. Usual IV dose in intermittent UH administration is 5,000 to 10,000 units depending on aPTT range desired.