Elmiron

Generic Name: pentosan polysulfate sodium
Other Brand Names: pentosan polysulfate sodium

What is pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Pentosan polysulfate sodium has mild blood clot prevention and breakdown activity. It is not known how pentosan polysulfate sodium works in the the treatment of interstitial cystitis.

Pentosan polysulfate sodium is to treat the pain and discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis.

Pentosan polysulfate sodium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
Related Tags

IC

antibiotics

infection

kidney

resistant to antibiotics

uti

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Before taking pentosan polysulfate sodium, tell your doctor if you

  • have a low level of platelets in your blood;

  • have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

  • have a history of aneurysm or stroke;

  • need to have (or have recently had) surgery or another invasive procedure;

  • have a stomach ulcer;

  • have polyps or diverticulitis;

  • have liver disease; or

  • take other medicines, especially blood thinners, platelet inhibitors, aspirin, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

You may not be able to take pentosan polysulfate sodium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Pentosan polysulfate sodium is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do no take pentosan polysulfate sodium without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether pentosan polysulfate sodium passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Take pentosan polysulfate sodium exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take pentosan polysulfate sodium on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals.

It is important to take pentosan polysulfate sodium regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with pentosan polysulfate sodium to monitor progress and side effects.

Store pentosan polysulfate sodium at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Where can I get more information about pentosan polysulfate sodium?
Your pharmacist has information about pentosan polysulfate sodium written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pentosan polysulfate sodium?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking pentosan polysulfate sodium, and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

  • any prolonged or unexplained bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, coughing up blood, blood in urine or stool).

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take pentosan polysulfate sodium and notify your doctor if you experience

  • increased bruising (contact doctor if severe);

  • diarrhea or upset stomach;

  • hair loss; or

  • headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and others), indomethacin (Indocin), or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication without first talking to your doctor. These medicines may lead to bleeding when taken with pentosan polysulfate sodium. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication while taking pentosan polysulfate sodium.

What should I avoid while taking pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and others), indomethacin (Indocin), or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication without first talking to your doctor. These medicines may lead to bleeding when taken with pentosan polysulfate sodium. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication while taking pentosan polysulfate sodium.

What other drugs will affect pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Do not take pentosan polysulfate sodium with any of the following medicines without first talking to your doctor:

  • aspirin,

  • ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and others), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ketorolac (Toradol), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication;

  • heparin;

  • dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep);

  • warfarin (Coumadin);

  • aspirin and dipyridamole (Aggrenox);

  • ticlopidine (Ticlid) or clopidogrel (Plavix); or

  • dipyridamole (Persantine).

The drugs listed above may increase the risk of bleeding during treatment with pentosan polysulfate sodium, which could be dangerous. You may not be able to take pentosan polysulfate sodium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pentosan polysulfate sodium. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

What happens if I have an overdose of pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an overdose may include nosebleed; black, bloody, or tarry stools; upset stomach; liver problems; blood in the urine; and easy bruising or bleeding.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008