Acitrom 1 Tablet

Acitrom 1 tablet is an oral anticoagulant or a blood thinner medicine. 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 1 tablet contains acenocoumarol as an active ingredient. Acenocoumarol works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme responsible for the clotting of blood. You should not take the Acitrom 1 tablet if you are pregnant, if you have high blood pressure, have an existing condition of risk of bleeding & recent history of surgery.

Acitrom 1 should be taken as directed by the doctor and in doses and duration prescribed. Before using this medicine, inform the doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding and about your detailed medical history.

Dosage

Overdose

The symptoms of an overdose of Acitrom 1 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 1 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

• Acitrom 1 tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water, do not cut, break or chew the medicine.
• It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results.
• You should not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine on your own.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Acitrom 1 tablet during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should not take Acitrom 1 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 1 tablet while breastfeeding?

Acenocoumarol may pass into the breastmilk in small amounts. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. After assessing the benefits over risks your doctor might change the medicine or ask you to stop breastfeeding or closely monitor the baby.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Acitrom 1 tablet?

Acitrom 1 tablet does not influence your driving ability. However, you should always keep your anticoagulant card while driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Acitrom 1 tablet tablet?

It is advised to avoid alcohol intake along with Acitrom 1 tablet, as it may affect the activity of this medicine and may worsen the side effects.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have a liver problem as the liver is the main site of the formation of blood clotting factors, and it can be affected.
• You have known medical conditions like kidney or heart problems, 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.
• If 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 Acitrom 1 tablet
• If you are at risk of bleeding due to blood disorders.
• If you have high blood pressure or an 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 are about to have surgery, have a liver or kidney problem, are pregnant or planning a baby.
• People who are difficult to co-operate such as alcoholics, with mental deterioration or psychiatric disorders.

Side effects

Bleeding

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can interfere with the action of Acitrom 1 tablet or Acitrom 1 tablet itself can affect the action of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Always inform your doctor about all the medicine you are taking, that includes all prescribed or non-prescribed herbal medicines, dietary supplements as well as other treatments you are taking for any disorder.
• In particular, if you are on certain medications like antiplatelet medicines, anticoagulants like heparin, antibiotics like clindamycin, medicines used to treat heart and brain-related disorders, cholesterol-lowering medicines painkillers etc.
• Other medicines that should be used with caution are antihypertensive medicines like atorvastatin, medicines used to treat underactive thyroid glands like levothyroxine, anti-HIV medicines etc.
• The anticoagulant effect of Acitrom 1 tablet may be diminished when taken along with certain medicines anti-cancer medicines, anti-epileptic medicines, St John’s Wort (herbal medicine for brain disorder), oral contraceptives, water pills like furosemide, immunosuppressants etc.

Interactions with food items

Food containing a high amount of Vitamin K such as Spinach & broccoli should be avoided while using this medicine.

Storage and disposal

• Store Acitrom 1 tablets 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 1 tablet?

• Yes, you should be very careful while playing, shaving, cutting nails etc. as there is 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 1 tablet?

You are supposed to take Acitrom 1 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 etc.

Why avoid leafy vegetables when on Acitrom 1 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 1 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 1 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.

Is Acitrom 1 and warfarin the same?

Acitrom 1 contains acenocoumarol as the active ingredient. But warfarin and acenocoumarol belong to the same class of medicine called coumarins. Both of these medications act in a similar manner to produce similar desired effects. Acitrom and warfarin only differ in the longer duration of action and lesser interaction with other medicines.

Do I need to stop Acitrom 1 tablet if I have a planned surgery?

Your doctor will decide whether you should stop taking Acitrom 1 tablet depending on the type of surgery planned. The decision is made by the physician after assessing the risks and benefits of discontinuing Acitrom 1 tablet.

Can Acitrom be taken on an empty stomach?

Acitrom can be taken with food or without food, as advised by the doctor. If you experience any kind of stomach discomfort, then you can take it with food.

What are the side effects of Acitrom?

Bleeding in the stomach, intestine, liver, eye, urinary tract and brain are a few side effects of Acitrom. However, these symptoms are usually mild and resolve on your own.