When setting up a heparin regimen, which method of administration is most appropriate?

In setting up a heparin regimen, subcutaneous injection is the most appropriate method of administration for non-emergent situations, such as for prevention of venous thromboembolism. Heparin given subcutaneously allows for prolonged absorption and has a reliable pharmacokinetic profile, making it effective for outpatient or periprocedural use.

While intravenous infusion is commonly used for heparin, particularly in acute settings where rapid anticoagulation is required and continuous monitoring is important, it is not the standard route for long-term treatment in stable patients. Intramuscular injection is not appropriate for heparin due to the risk of hematoma formation and bleeding at the injection site. Topical application of heparin is also not a method utilized for systemic anticoagulation, as it is generally not effective for achieving therapeutic anticoagulation levels. Therefore, subcutaneous injection is favored for its safety and efficacy in many clinical scenarios.