Acitrom 0.5mg Strip Of 10 Tablets

Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet contains Acenocoumarol as the active ingredient. It is used to treat and prevent the formation of abnormal blood clots (thrombus) in the blood vessels.

It is used in various diseases associated with abnormal blood clots affecting the heart, brain, legs and lungs. Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme responsible for the clotting of blood.

You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant, if you have high blood pressure, have an existing condition of risk of bleeding & recent history of surgery.

Dosage

Overdose

The symptoms of an overdose of Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet may include bleeding from gums, nose, heavy menstrual bleeding, joint pain, swelling, dizziness, sickness, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, etc. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine and experience any of such symptoms contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet contains Acenocoumarol which is structurally similar to vitamin K. Vitamin K is an essential factor required for blood clotting. Acenocoumarol inhibits the action of an enzyme which maintains the adequate levels of vitamin K required for blood clotting.

Directions for Use

• Take Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet as instructed by your doctor at the same time every day
• Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine on your own

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should not take Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet as it is unsafe during pregnancy and can lead to malformations in the unborn baby. Woman of childbearing age should use proper contraceptive measures while taking this tablet. If you think you are pregnant or might become pregnant, discontinue the treatment and reach out to your doctor, he/she will shift you to a safer alternative.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet while breastfeeding?

It passes into the breastmilk in a small amount. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will tell you about the use of this medicine after assessing the benefits over risks.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet tablet?

It does not influence your driving ability. However, you should always keep your anticoagulant card while driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet tablet?

It is advised to avoid alcohol intake along with this medicine, as it may affect the activity of this medicine and may worsen the side effects.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are suffering from a liver problem as the liver is the main site of the formation of blood clotting factors, and it can be affected. You may get a liver disorder.
• You have kidney or heart problem; the dose will be decided depending upon the severity of your underlying conditions.
• You are suffering from a blood disorder like abnormal bleeding after injury; caution is required for such patients.
• You are an older person or giving it to a child, be cautious and more frequent monitoring of PT/INR is recommended.
• You are suffering from a rare condition where calcium builds up in blood vessels in the skin, as these medicines contain calcium.
• You have disorders due to which absorption from the gut is not proper.
• You have increased thyroid levels, infection or inflammation, cancer or tumour.
• If you experience bleeding problems, reach out to your doctor.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to Acenocoumarol or any ingredient of this medicine.
• If you are at a risk of bleeding due to blood disorders.
• If you have high blood pressure or accumulation of fluid around the heart.
• If you have a recent history of stroke due to bleeding in the brain or brain haemorrhages.
• If you have stomach ulcers or intestinal bleeding, urinary tract infection or respiratory tract problem.
• If you recently had or about to have surgery, have a liver or kidney problem, pregnant or planning a baby.
• People who are difficult to co-operate such as alcoholics, with mental deterioration or psychiatric disorders.

Side effects

The most common side effect of Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet is bleeding. Bleeding commonly occurs in areas like stomach, intestine, liver, eye, urinary tract and brain.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet should not be taken along with medicines such as Heparin (used for thinning of the blood), Clindamycin (an antibiotic), salicylic acid, Dipyridamole, Clopidogrel, Ticlopidine (used to stop platelet aggregation) and painkillers like Celecoxib as there is the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Medicines which may increase the anticoagulant action of Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet are Allopurinol (to treat gout), Steroids, testosterone containing medicines, Amiodarone and Quinidine (to treat heart conditions), antibiotics, Tramadol (pain killer), Disulfiram (for alcohol dependence), Chlorpropamide and Glibenclamide (to treat diabetes), Antacids, Atorvastatin, Fluvastatin and Simvastatin (to treat cholesterol), Levothyroxine (to treat underactive thyroid gland), antiallergic medicines, and medicines used to reduce stomach acid production.
• The anticoagulant effect of Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet may be diminished, when taken along with medicines such as Mercaptopurine (to treat cancer), Phenobarbital and Carbamazepine (to treat fits), St John’s Wort (herbal medicine for depression), oral contraceptives, water pills like Furosemide (to treat blood pressure), Azathioprine (for organ transplantation) etc.
• Other medicines such as Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir (to treat HIV), Methylprednisolone should be taken cautiously.

Interactions with food items

Avoid drinking cranberry juice or consuming other cranberry products, as they can interact with Acitrom and increase the risk of bleeding. Food containing a high amount of Vitamin K such as Spinach & broccoli should be avoided while using this medicine.

Storage and disposal

• Store it in original packing to protect it from sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to take any precautions before taking Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet?

• Yes, you should be very careful while playing, shaving, cutting nails, etc., as there is an increased risk of bleeding.
• You need to inform your doctor immediately if you find bloodstains in your cough or stool.

For how long do I need to take Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet?

You are supposed to take Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet for the duration and doses as advised by your doctor. If you skip the dose or do not complete the course, it may decrease the effectiveness of the treatment. Also, it may increase the risk of getting conditions such as stroke or heart-related conditions.

Why avoid leafy vegetables when on Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet?

Leafy vegetables such as spinach contain a high content of vitamin K, which can impact the effectiveness of this medicine. Thus, it should be avoided or taken in moderation. Do not change your diet drastically without consulting your doctor.

Which vegetables should be avoided by patients taking Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet?

You do not have to completely stop taking the following vegetables. However, broccoli and spinach, which are rich in vitamin K, should be taken in moderation to avoid abnormally high levels of vitamin K as it can affect the action of this medicine.

What other food products should I avoid while taking Acitrom 0.5mg Tablet?

Avoid taking a high quantity of products containing garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, cranberry and vitamin E. If you are taking any supplements containing these substances, discuss with your doctor.