Acenocoumarol

About Acenocoumarol

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anticoagulants.

Acenocoumarol is used to prevent and treat the formation of harmful blood clots within the body.

Acenocoumarol works by reducing the effects of vitamin K, which is a vitamin present in the body, essential in the process of blood-clotting.

Acenocoumarol is also known as nicoumalone. You may notice either name used on packaging.

Acenocoumarol is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Sinthrome. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Acenocoumarol

Before taking acenocoumarol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
if you have recently had surgery of any kind or have recently had a baby
if you have a stomach ulcer or have ever had a stomach ulcer
if you suffer from any unusual bruising or bleeding
if you suffer from uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
if you suffer from an infection of the tissues surrounding the heart called bacterial endocarditis
if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Acenocoumarol

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
Take acenocoumarol exactly as directed by your doctor or anticoagulant clinic.
Do not stop taking acenocoumarol without speaking to your doctor first.
You should have been given a treatment booklet with your tablets. Read and follow the instructions carefully before beginning treatment.
Acenocoumarol is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of acenocoumarol contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside acenocoumarol.
Always attend your regular appointments with the doctor or anticoagulant clinic. You will need to have regular blood tests, especially during the first few weeks of treatment, to ensure that the dose of acenocoumarol you are taking is correct for you.
You should carry your treatment booklet with you at all times, ideally in your wallet or purse.
Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking acenocoumarol and show the person carrying out the tests or treatment your treatment booklet.
Acenocoumarol is used to prevent blood clots forming and therefore thins the blood, it is important that you take care not to knock, cut or bruise yourself while you are taking acenocoumarol. Inform your doctor if you suffer any falls, blows or injuries. You should also take special care when brushing your teeth or shaving. Use a soft toothbrush, be gentle when using dental floss and if possible use an electric razor.
Changing your diet suddenly can affect your acenocoumarol levels, especially if you begin to eat more vegetables and salad or if you change the amount of fatty foods you have been eating. You should not begin a weight reducing diet without discussing it with your doctor first.
Alcohol should only be drunk in moderation. Alcohol can also affect the levels of acenocoumarol in your body.

Can Acenocoumarol cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Skin rashes, thinning of the hair, diarrhoea, purple toes, feeling or being sick.

Important: If you notice any unusual bruising, bleeding, blood in the urine, blackened stools or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) contact your doctor or anticoagulant clinic immediately.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Acenocoumarol

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you

Synonym

United Kingdom: Sinthrome
Switzerland: Sintrom
Spain: Sintrom
Portugal: Sintrom
Netherlands: Sintrom Mitis
Mexico: Sintrom
Italy: Sintrom
Israel: Sintrom
Ireland: Sinthrome*
India: Acitrom
Hungary: Syncumar
Greece: Sintrom
Germany: Sintrom* Sintrom
France: Mini-sintrom Neo-Sintrom Isquelium Coarol
Chile: Acenox
Canada: Sintrom*
Belgium: Sintrom
Austria: Sintrom Sintrom
Argentina: Fortonol