Sintrom Description

Sintrom or generic Nicoumalone is an anticoagulant drug that may be prescribed as a treatment to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to prevent the formation of a blood clot following heart surgery and knee or hip replacement. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

A clot can form and block the flow of blood in an artery causing possible tissue damage from lack of oxygen and even a risk of death if treatment is not administered quickly. If a clot breaks away, it can travel to other parts of your body through your veins or arteries and result in blocking the blood flow to your brain, lungs, legs, and other areas.

How Sintrom Helps Decrease Clotting Action in Your Body

When taken as directed, Sintrom acts as a vitamin K antagonist. Your body needs vitamin K in order to make clotting factors that prevent bleeding by helping your blood to clot. To reduce the risk of a blood clot causing a medical situation, Sintrom interferes with the vitamin K cycle through a series of events so it is unable to be recycled back into vitamin K. This action helps decrease the clotting action that can occur during times of long-term bed rest or immobility after surgery or if you have a heart condition called atrial fibrillation.

Conditions Treated by Sintrom

Atrial fibrillation (A fib) is the failure of your heart’s own pacemaker to successfully coordinate the contractions of the 4 chambers of your heart. The atria are the 2 top chambers of your heart that contracts to send blood to the lower 2 chambers, called the ventricles.

A fib means there is something wrong with your internal pacemaker and the rhythm becomes an erratic twitch that results in unproductive atrial contractions and poor atrial blood flow. It is believed that due to the blood not moving in the atria, clots are likely to develop and can potentially cause a stroke so an anticoagulant such as Sintrom is prescribed to prevent clots from forming.

Before Receiving a Sintrom Rx

Tell your doctor before taking Sintrom if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding as there may be risks to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx drugs you use or take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, to determine if Sintrom is safe for you to take.

Sintrom Precautions

You must undergo regular blood tests so your doctor can track your international normalized ratio (INR) levels to make sure you are prescribed the correct dosage of Sintrom. It’s okay to still eat leafy green vegetables that are a source of vitamin K, just avoid foods rich in vitamin K as it can cause Sintrom to be less effective. Inform your doctor of any diet or weight changes so your dosage can also be adjusted.

Due to the decrease in your body’s clotting abilities, avoid taking part in sports activities and use caution during food prep, shaving, and other tasks that could cause an injury and bleeding. Make certain all medications are kept out of children’s reach and never share your meds with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Sintrom

• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Hives

Drugs Similar to Sintrom

• Coumadin
• Xarelto
• Eliquis