Acitrom 4 Mg Tablet (30 Tab)

ACITROM 4 MG TABLET

ACITROM 4 MG TABLET is an oral anticoagulant, commonly known as a blood thinner, manufactured by Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd..

• Name:

  • Brand Name: ACITROM 4 MG TABLET
  • Common Name: Nicoumalone (also referred to as Acenocoumarol)

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains 4 mg of Nicoumalone (Acenocoumarol) as the active ingredient. Nicoumalone works by blocking the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver, thereby reducing the blood's ability to clot excessively.

• Uses: ACITROM 4 MG TABLET is prescribed to prevent and treat various thromboembolic disorders by reducing blood clot formation. These conditions include:

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Pulmonary embolism (PE)
  • Stroke prevention, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation or those who have undergone heart valve replacement surgery
  • Prevention of blood clots after surgical procedures like knee or hip replacement.

• Dosage and Administration: ACITROM 4 MG TABLET should be taken exactly as advised by a doctor, usually once daily at a consistent time, with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. Regular blood tests (INR monitoring) are crucial to adjust the dosage and ensure safety and effectiveness. Do not stop the medication abruptly without consulting a doctor, even if feeling well.

• Side Effects: Common side effects include increased bleeding tendency such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from cuts, heavier menstrual flow, and easy bruising. Serious side effects, requiring immediate medical attention, include uncontrolled bleeding, blood in urine or stool (black, tarry stools or bright red blood), severe headache, dizziness, vomiting blood, and signs of allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing trouble).

• Precautions:

  • Contraindications: Not recommended during pregnancy due to significant harm to the fetus. Contraindicated in individuals with known allergy to acenocoumarol, those at high risk of bleeding, severe high blood pressure, recent stroke (due to bleeding), stomach ulcers, or severe liver disease.
  • Interactions: Caution is advised with alcohol consumption as it may increase bleeding risk. Avoid cranberry juice or cranberry products. Numerous medications, including aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), certain antibiotics, antifungals, and herbal supplements (like St. John's Wort), can interact with Acitrom, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or affecting its efficacy. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies being taken.
  • Other Warnings: Use with caution in patients with kidney or mild to moderate liver impairment. Regular monitoring is required in older patients and children due to increased risk of side effects. Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for any surgery or dental treatment, as temporary discontinuation may be necessary. Maintain a consistent diet and avoid sudden large intakes of vitamin K-rich foods.

• Storage: Store ACITROM 4 MG TABLET at room temperature, ideally between 15-30°C. Keep the medicine protected from light and moisture to maintain effectiveness. Ensure it is stored out of reach of children. Always check the expiry date before use.

What is Acitrom 4 MG Tablet used for?

Acitrom 4 MG Tablet is an oral anticoagulant, commonly known as a blood thinner, used to prevent and treat various conditions related to harmful blood clot formation. These conditions include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, and prevention of clots after heart valve replacement surgeries. It helps to keep blood flowing smoothly and reduces the risk of serious complications like heart attacks and strokes.

How does Acitrom 4 MG Tablet work?

Acitrom 4 MG Tablet contains acenocoumarol (also known as nicoumalone), which works by inhibiting the action of vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for the liver to produce several blood clotting factors. By blocking this process, acenocoumarol effectively reduces the blood's ability to clot excessively, thereby thinning the blood and decreasing the risk of harmful clot formation.

What is the usual dosage of Acitrom 4 MG Tablet?

The dosage of Acitrom 4 MG Tablet is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition and regular blood test results, specifically your International Normalized Ratio (INR). It is typically taken once daily, preferably at a fixed time, with or without food. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely and not to alter the dose or stop the medication abruptly.

What are the possible side effects of Acitrom 4 MG Tablet?

The most common and serious side effect of Acitrom 4 MG Tablet is an increased risk of bleeding. This can manifest as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from cuts, heavier menstrual periods, or blood in the urine or stool. More severe bleeding can include bleeding in the stomach, intestine, liver, eye, or brain, which may present as abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black tarry stools, severe headache, dizziness, or weakness. Other possible side effects include joint stiffness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, itching, and hair loss. If you experience any signs of unusual bleeding or severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Is Acitrom 4 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Acitrom 4 MG Tablet is considered highly unsafe and is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it can cause serious harm and malformations to the unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraceptive measures while taking this medication.

During breastfeeding, acenocoumarol may pass into breast milk in small amounts. Caution is advised, and it should only be used if prescribed by your doctor after a careful assessment of the benefits versus risks, with close monitoring of the infant.

Can Acitrom 4 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

Acitrom 4 MG Tablet can interact with many other medications, increasing or decreasing its anticoagulant effect. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal medicines, and dietary supplements you are taking. Specific interactions can occur with antiplatelet medicines, other anticoagulants (like heparin), certain antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin), antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, miconazole), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), anti-cancer drugs, anti-epileptic drugs, St. John's Wort, oral contraceptives, certain diuretics (water pills), antihypertensives (e.g., atorvastatin), and thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine).

What precautions should be taken while on Acitrom 4 MG Tablet?

Several precautions are important when taking Acitrom 4 MG Tablet:

• Regular Monitoring: You will need frequent blood tests (INR or prothrombin time) to monitor your blood clotting time and adjust the dosage accordingly.
• Dietary Consistency: Maintain a consistent diet and avoid sudden large changes in the intake of Vitamin K-rich foods (e.g., spinach, kale, broccoli, liver, vegetable oils), as Vitamin K can affect the medicine's action.
• Avoid Certain Foods/Drinks: Do not consume alcohol or cranberry products (juice, capsules, concentrates), as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Grapefruit and noni juice should also be avoided.
• Bleeding Risk: Be cautious with activities that may cause injury, such as shaving, cutting fingernails/toenails, or using sharp objects, due to the increased risk of bleeding.
• Medical Procedures: Inform your doctor or dentist if you are scheduled for any surgery or dental treatment, as you may need to temporarily stop this medicine.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Use with caution if you have liver disease, kidney disease, severe hypertension, or gastrointestinal disorders, and inform your doctor about these conditions.
• Do Not Stop Abruptly: Never stop taking Acitrom 4 MG Tablet without consulting your doctor, as this can increase your risk of blood clots.

What happens if a dose of Acitrom 4 MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Acitrom 4 MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

How should Acitrom 4 MG Tablet be stored?

Acitrom 4 MG Tablet should be stored in its original packing at room temperature, ideally between 15-30°C. Protect it from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Always keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.