Phenindione

About Phenindione

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anticoagulants.

Phenindione works by reducing the effects of vitamin K, which is a vitamin present in the body, essential in the process of blood-clotting.

Phenindione is available in tablet form.

Before Taking Phenindione

Before taking phenindione make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you have recently had surgery of any kind or have recently had a baby
• if you have a stomach ulcer or have ever had a stomach ulcer
• if you suffer from any unusual bruising or bleeding
• if you suffer from uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
• if you suffer from an infection of the tissues surrounding the heart called bacterial endocarditis
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Phenindione

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take phenindione exactly as directed by your doctor or anticoagulant clinic.
• Do not stop taking phenindione without speaking to your doctor first.
• You should have been given a treatment booklet with your tablets. Read and follow the instructions carefully before beginning treatment.
• Phenindione is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of phenindione contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside phenindione.
• Always attend your regular appointments with the doctor or anticoagulant clinic. You will need to have regular blood tests, especially during the first few weeks of treatment, to ensure that the dose of phenindione you are taking is correct for you.
• You should carry your treatment booklet with you at all times, ideally in your wallet or purse.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking phenindione and show the person carrying out the tests or treatment your treatment booklet.
• Phenindione is used to prevent blood clots forming and therefore thins the blood, it is important that you take care not to knock, cut or bruise yourself while you are taking phenindione. Inform your doctor if you suffer any falls, blows or injuries. You should also take special care when brushing your teeth or shaving. Use a soft toothbrush, be gentle when using dental floss and if possible use an electric razor.
• Changing your diet suddenly can affect your phenindione levels, especially if you begin to eat more vegetables and salad or if you change the amount of fatty foods you have been eating. You should not begin a weight reducing diet without discussing it with your doctor first.
• Alcohol should only be drunk in moderation. Alcohol can also affect the levels of phenindione in your body.

Can Phenindione cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Skin rashes, thinning of the hair, diarrhoea, purple toes, feeling or being sick, fever (high temperature), pink or orange urine.

Important: If you notice any unusual bruising, bleeding (nosebleeds etc), blood in the urine, blackened stools or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), pains in the abdomen, develop a rash or have any skin peeling contact your doctor or anticoagulant clinic immediately.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Phenindione

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 29/10/2003