acenocoumarol at a glance
Medicine class
Coumarin-derived vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant
Licensed role
Treatment and prevention of thromboembolic diseases
Monitoring
Regular PT/INR blood tests are essential because response varies between people and over time.
Safety record
Carry the anticoagulant alert card and tell healthcare professionals, including dentists, that acenocoumarol is being taken.
What is acenocoumarol used for?
Acenocoumarol is licensed for:
Treating thromboembolic disease, where a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel.
Preventing thromboembolic disease in people requiring vitamin K antagonist anticoagulation.
How does acenocoumarol work?
Acenocoumarol blocks vitamin K recycling in the liver, reducing activation of clotting factors II, VII, IX and X and proteins C and S. It helps prevent new clots and existing clots from enlarging but does not directly dissolve a clot.
acenocoumarol preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg
How to take acenocoumarol
Follow the current instructions from the anticoagulation service because treatment is adjusted using INR results.
Swallow tablets whole with water.
Record errors in the anticoagulation record and tell the clinic.
Do not stop acenocoumarol for surgery or dental treatment unless the responsible clinician instructs you to do so.
acenocoumarol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bleeding, including easier bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavier periods or prolonged bleeding from cuts.
Get urgent medical advice
- Major internal bleeding, which may cause blood in urine, vomit or stools; black stools; severe weakness; dizziness or collapse.
- Bleeding in the brain, suggested by a sudden severe headache, confusion, speech or vision changes, or weakness of the face or limbs.
- Painful rash, blistering or skin damage, which may indicate calciphylaxis or skin necrosis.
- Severe allergic reaction or liver injury, including widespread rash, swelling, breathing difficulty or jaundice.
acenocoumarol in pregnancy
Acenocoumarol is contraindicated during pregnancy because coumarin anticoagulants can harm the developing baby. Pregnancy planning or suspected pregnancy requires prompt specialist review; effective contraception is advised during treatment.
acenocoumarol while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding requires individual specialist assessment. Very small amounts transfer into breast milk, but careful maternal monitoring and consideration of infant coagulation or vitamin K assessment and prophylaxis are recommended.
acenocoumarol interactions
Acenocoumarol has many clinically important interactions. Check every new prescription, over-the-counter product and supplement with the anticoagulation service or pharmacist; additional INR monitoring may be needed after changes.
Aspirin, antiplatelets and NSAIDs
These can substantially increase bleeding risk; combined use is generally not recommended unless specifically supervised.
Antibiotics and azole antifungals
Many can strengthen anticoagulation and raise bleeding risk.
Amiodarone and quinidine
These may increase acenocoumarol’s anticoagulant effect.
Common questions about acenocoumarol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why are INR blood tests needed?
Response varies greatly, and illness, diet and interacting medicines can change the effect. INR testing checks whether clotting is slowed within the intended range.
Does acenocoumarol dissolve an existing blood clot?
No. It reduces further clot formation and can stop an existing clot enlarging while the body gradually deals with it.
Is acenocoumarol the same as warfarin?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.