This is the active ingredient in Marcumar
Phenprocoumon is the active ingredient in Marcumar. It has an anticoagulant effect by blocking the conversion of a vitamin K intermediate into its active form. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting. It mediates a biochemical process in the body during which the precursor of blood clotting factors is formed. The lack of clotting factors means that the blood becomes thinner and no blood clots (thrombi) can form.
When is Marcumar used?
Important areas of application for Marcumar are
- Prevention of venous thrombosis after an operation
- Prolonged immobility after hip or leg operations
- Treatment of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or circulatory disorders of the brain (TIA)
- Long-term treatment of heart attack patients
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart valve replacement
What side effects does Marcumar have?
Very common side effects of Marcumar are nosebleeds and bleeding gums, blood in the urine and bruising after minor injuries.
Frequent side effects are liver inflammation with or without jaundice.
Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite may also occur.
In very rare cases, skin necrosis may occur, mainly in the area of the mammary glands or the abdomen, which can be life-threatening. Liver disease or liver failure are very rare side effects.
If you experience any side effects, please always consult a doctor.
You should be aware of the following when using Marcumar
The medicine must not be used in the case of known allergies to the active ingredient in Marcumar or to any of the other ingredients.
In addition, Marcumar must not be taken if:
- pathological bleeding tendency
- severe platelet deficiency
- severe liver disease
- severely impaired kidney function
- acute inflammation of the heart
- cerebral aneurysm or aortic aneurysm
- stomach ulcers
- arteriosclerosis
- severe high blood pressure
- open wounds
- Taking phenylbutazone (antirheumatic drug)
Caution should be exercised when taking Marcumar:
- epilepsy
- kidney stones
- recent operations
- Taking other medication
Medications that increase the effect of Marcumar:
- other anticoagulants (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid)
- Allopurinol (a drug used to treat gout)
- Antiarrhythmic drugs (for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia)
- Antibiotics (e.g. chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, sulphonamides)
- Tramadol (an opioid for severe pain)
- Thyroid hormones
- Cimetidine (regulates stomach acid production)
- Cytostatic drugs (e.g. tamoxifen)
- tricyclic antidepressants
Drugs that reduce the effect:
- CNS therapeutics (e.g. barbiturates, carbamazepine)
- Anti-infectives (e.g. rifampicin)
- Estrogens (female sex hormone)
- Diuretics (drugs that have a diuretic effect)
- Digitalis cardiac glycosides (drugs that strengthen the heart)
- Metformin (a drug for the treatment of diabetes)
- St. John’s wort
The increased tendency to bleed continues for three to ten days after discontinuation.
Marcumar: Overdose
Signs of an overdose of Marcumar are often spontaneous bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes, bloody stools, confusion or unconsciousness. In any case, a doctor should be consulted.
Marcumar: Nutrition
With Marcumar, attention must be paid to diet as part of the therapy. Foods rich in vitamin K, such as cabbage or avocado, should be avoided as they reduce the effect of the drug. Other foods such as fish oil or mango increase the effect of Marcumar.
Marcumar: Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, your doctor should weigh up the benefits against the risks before using Marcumar, as the active substance can be transferred to the child via breast milk.
Marcumar and alcohol
Marcumar and alcohol must not be combined, as alcohol can increase the effect of Marcumar and its symptoms.
How to obtain Marcumar
Marcumar is only available from pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription and in tablet form.
Complete information on this medication
Here you will find the complete information on the medication as a download (PDF)
