Heparin and Telavancin: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Heparin
No brand names on recordTelavancin
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Artificial prolongation of aPTT test results
Interaction Deep Dive
Telavancin does not interfere with coagulation; however, it does bind to the artificial phospholipid surfaces used on some common coagulation tests, artificially prolonging the aPTT and other test results (eg, PT/INR, ACT, coagulation based factor X activity assay) . These effects decrease with decreasing plasma concentrations of telavancin, and have been observed to occur for 0 to 18 hours postdose. If aPTT testing is required, consider a non-phospholipid dependent coagulation test, such as Factor Xa (chromogenic) assay. Alternatively, consider using an anticoagulant that does not required APTT monitoring1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Binding of telavancin to the artificial phospholipid surfaces added to common anticoagulation tests
Common questions
Can I take Heparin and Telavancin together?
Artificial prolongation of aPTT test results Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Heparin and Telavancin interaction?
It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Heparin or Telavancin need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: VIBATIV(R) intravenous injection powder, telavancin intravenous injection powder. Theravance Biopharma US, Inc. (per FDA), South San Francisco, CA, 2014. DailyMed
Keep reading about Heparin
Keep reading about Telavancin
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