Acitrom 0.5 Mg (10 Tab)

ACITROM 0.5 MG Tablet

ACITROM 0.5 MG, manufactured by ABBOTT HEALTHCARE PVT. LTD., is an oral anticoagulant prescribed to prevent and treat blood clots.

• Name
  • Brand Name: Acitrom 0.5 MG Tablet
  • Common Name: Acenocoumarol Tablet
• Composition
  • Active Ingredient: Acenocoumarol (0.5 mg). It is also referred to as Nicoumalone.
• Uses Acitrom 0.5 MG Tablet is primarily used as a blood thinner to treat and prevent the formation of harmful blood clots (thromboembolic diseases) in various parts of the body. This includes:
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Prevention of stroke, including in individuals with atrial fibrillation.
  • Coronary occlusion (blockage in the heart).
  • Prevention of blood clots after heart valve replacement. The medication works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme responsible for blood clotting, thereby reducing the risk of serious conditions like heart attack and stroke. While it helps prevent new clots and stops existing ones from growing larger, it does not dissolve existing blood clots.
• Dosage and Administration
  • Take Acitrom 0.5 MG Tablet as advised by your doctor, preferably at the same time every day.
  • It can be taken with or without food.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this may increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
  • The correct dose and duration of therapy are determined by your doctor based on your age, body weight, and medical condition.
  • Regular monitoring of blood clotting time (INR/Prothrombin Time) is necessary during treatment.
• Side Effects The most common side effect is bleeding.
  • Common Side Effects: Unusual bleeding from gums, heavy bleeding from cuts or wounds, unexplained bruising, nosebleeds, heavy periods, abdominal pain, blood in vomit, bloody or black tarry stools, blood in urine, eye redness.
  • Less Common/Serious Side Effects: Joint stiffness, nausea and vomiting, liver injury, alopecia (hair loss), dizziness, severe headache, weakness in an arm or leg, blurred vision, hypersensitivity. Report any unusual or prolonged bleeding to your doctor immediately.
• Precautions
  • Contraindications: Do not take Acitrom 0.5 MG Tablet if you are allergic to Acenocoumarol or any of its ingredients. It is unsafe during pregnancy as it can lead to malformations in the unborn baby. Avoid if you have severe high blood pressure, an existing condition with a high risk of bleeding, a recent history of surgery (especially brain, spine, or eyes), a stroke due to brain hemorrhage, stomach ulcers, intestinal bleeding, or severe liver/kidney problems.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Avoid taking with Heparin, Clindamycin, salicylic acid, Dipyridamole, Clopidogrel, Ticlopidine, and painkillers like Celecoxib, due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The anticoagulant effect may be diminished by medicines such as Mercaptopurine, Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine, St. John's Wort, oral contraceptives, Furosemide, and Azathioprine. Use with caution if also taking Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir, or Methylprednisolone. Patients with a history of stroke or heart attack should avoid concomitant use with painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen to prevent stomach bleeding.
  • Food and Alcohol Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may interfere with the medicine's action and increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid drinking cranberry juice or consuming other cranberry products, as they can interact with Acitrom and increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid foods high in Vitamin K (e.g., spinach, broccoli) as they can diminish Acitrom's effectiveness.
  • Other Warnings: Inform your doctor if you have any kidney, liver, or heart problems. If you are scheduled for any surgery or dental treatment, you may need to stop this medicine temporarily, but only after consulting your doctor. It should be used with caution in children, adolescents, and elderly patients, with close monitoring. Intramuscular injections are generally not recommended due to the increased risk of hematomas.
• Storage Keep Acitrom 0.5 MG Tablet out of the sight and reach of children. Store at room temperature, ideally between 15°C to 30°C, away from direct light and moisture.

ACITROM 0.5 MG (10 TAB) is an oral anticoagulant medication containing Acenocoumarol. It is primarily used to prevent and treat various conditions involving abnormal blood clot formation.

What is Acitrom 0.5 MG used for?

Acitrom 0.5 MG is used to treat and prevent abnormal blood clots (thrombus) in blood vessels. This includes conditions such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), and to prevent strokes or heart attacks. It is also prescribed for patients with conditions like atrial fibrillation or those who have undergone heart valve replacement to prevent unwanted clot formation.

How does Acitrom 0.5 MG work?

Acitrom 0.5 MG, which contains Acenocoumarol, works as a blood-thinning medication. It prevents the formation of blood clots by inhibiting the action of an enzyme responsible for maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. By blocking Vitamin K's action, it reduces the production of clotting proteins in the liver, thus increasing the time it takes for blood to clot and maintaining smooth blood flow. It does not dissolve existing clots but can prevent them from growing larger.

What is the usual dosage for Acitrom 0.5 MG?

The dosage of Acitrom 0.5 MG is determined by your doctor based on your individual body weight, medical history, gender, and age. It should be taken as advised by your doctor, preferably at the same time every day. It can be taken with or without food. You should swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water and not crush, chew, or break it.

What are the possible side effects of Acitrom 0.5 MG?

The most common and significant side effect of Acitrom 0.5 MG is bleeding. This can manifest as unusual bleeding from gums, heavier periods, nosebleeds, easy bruising, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. More severe signs of bleeding can include blood in vomit, urine, or stool (black, tarry stools or bright red blood), backache, severe headache, dizziness, weakness in an arm or leg, or blurred vision. Other rare side effects include hypersensitivity, nausea, vomiting, liver injury, and alopecia. It is crucial to inform your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of unusual bleeding.

Is Acitrom 0.5 MG safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Acitrom 0.5 MG is considered highly unsafe during pregnancy as it can lead to malformations in the unborn baby and carries an increased risk of bleeding during childbirth. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraceptive measures while taking this medication.

During breastfeeding, Acenocoumarol (the active ingredient in Acitrom) passes into breastmilk in small amounts. While some studies suggest it may be safe, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will assess the benefits and risks before advising on its use.

Can Acitrom 0.5 MG be taken with other medications?

Acitrom 0.5 MG can interact with several other medications, which may either increase or decrease its anticoagulant effect. It should generally not be taken with other blood thinners like Heparin, or anti-platelet medications such as Clopidogrel, Dipyridamole, or Ticlopidine, and certain painkillers like Celecoxib, due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Some medications can diminish the anticoagulant effect of Acitrom, including Mercaptopurine, Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine, St. John's Wort, oral contraceptives, Furosemide, and Azathioprine. Conversely, medicines like Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir, and Methylprednisolone should be used cautiously. Always inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while on Acitrom 0.5 MG?

While taking Acitrom 0.5 MG, you should have frequent 'INR' (international normalized ratio) or prothrombin time tests to monitor your blood clotting time. You should avoid consuming alcohol and cranberry products (juice or other forms) as they can interact with Acitrom and increase the risk of bleeding.

Be cautious with activities that may cause cuts or bruises, such as shaving, trimming nails, or engaging in contact sports. Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for any surgery or dental treatment, as you may need to temporarily stop this medicine. Do not stop taking Acitrom 0.5 MG abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

What happens if a dose of Acitrom 0.5 MG is missed?

If you miss a dose of Acitrom 0.5 MG, 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 make up for the missed one, as this could lead to toxicity.

How should Acitrom 0.5 MG be stored?

Acitrom 0.5 MG tablets should be stored below 30°C and kept out of the sight and reach of children.