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Sintrom

(acenocoumarol)

In this factsheet:
• How does Sintrom work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Sintrom?
• What form(s) does Sintrom come in?
• Who should NOT take Sintrom?
• What side effects are possible with Sintrom?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Sintrom?
• What other drugs could interact with Sintrom?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Sintrom work? What will it do for me?

Acenocoumarol belongs to the group of medications called anticoagulants. It is sometimes referred to as a "blood thinner," although it does not actually thin the blood. Acenocoumarol is used to treat and prevent blood clots in the veins by preventing blood clots from forming or from getting bigger, but it does not dissolve blood clots.

It is also used to treat atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm) that is associated with blood clots, and to treat and prevent blood clots in the lungs. It is used along with other medications to treat blood clots in the heart and transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes).

Acenocoumarol works by partially blocking the reuse of vitamin K in your liver. Vitamin K is needed to make clotting factors that help the blood to clot and prevent bleeding. Vitamin K is found naturally in foods such as leafy, green vegetables and certain vegetable oils. If you are taking acenocoumarol, you may continue to eat these foods but do not make any drastic changes to your diet.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Sintrom?

The dose of acenocoumarol is individualized by your doctor according to blood clotting time as determined by laboratory tests, called an INR, performed at regular intervals. It is very important to keep your lab appointments, as there is a narrow range between too much and too little of the medication. Too much medication may cause you to bleed more. Too little medication may let a harmful clot form.

The usual dose on the first day ranges from 8 mg to 12 mg and on the second day from 4 mg to 8 mg. The usual maintenance dose ranges from 1 mg to 10 mg once daily. Take acenocoumarol at the same time each day.

Different circumstances in your life (e.g., eating certain foods or using certain medications) can cause this medication to work more or less effectively. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of these foods and medications.

It is important to manage your lifestyle appropriately when taking acenocoumarol:

• do not make drastic changes in your diet, such as eating large amounts of green, leafy vegetables
• do not attempt to change your weight by dieting without first checking with your health care provider
• do not participate in any activity or sport that may result in serious injury
• avoid drinking alcohol
• avoid cutting yourself

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Sintrom come in?

1 mg
Each peach coloured, biconvex, round tablet contains acenocoumarol 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: alcohol, colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, glycerin, lactose, magnesium stearate, and talc. This medication does not contain bisulfites, gluten, parabens, sodium, or tartrazine.

4 mg
Each white, flat-faced tablet, debossed with Paladin shield on one side and double scored on the other, contains acenocoumarol 4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, and talc. This medication does not contain alcohol, bisulfites, gluten, parabens, sodium, or tartrazine.

Who should NOT take Sintrom?

Do not take acenocoumarol if you:

• are allergic to acenocoumarol or any ingredients of the medication
• are pregnant
• are receiving injections into a muscle
• are undergoing certain types of anesthesia
• do not have access to laboratory facilities for regular blood testing
• have a medical condition in which the risk of bleeding is greater than the benefits of receiving the medication, including:
  • after surgery, which is associated with increased breakdown of blood clots (e.g., lung, prostate, or uterus surgery)
  • a high risk of abortion, eclampsia, and preeclampsia (complications of pregnancy often associated with sudden onset of very high blood pressure)
  • bleeding tendencies or blood disorders
  • bleeding tendencies associated with active ulcers or bleeding of the stomach, genitourinary, or respiratory tracts, or bleeding associated with many other medical conditions
  • certain types of severe kidney and liver problems
  • recent or planned surgery of the eye or the central nervous system, or surgery associated with trauma resulting in a large open surface
  • severe high blood pressure
• have polyarthritis
• have senility, alcoholism, psychosis, or other conditions where the person may not be able to cooperate with taking the medication and having the necessary lab tests on a regular basis
• have a vitamin C deficiency

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