Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Pentosan polysulfate sodium, a semisynthetic low molecular weight heparinoid, is a uroprotective agent resembling glycosaminoglycans.
Pentosan polysulfate sodium, a semisynthetic low molecular weight heparinoid, is a uroprotective agent structurally similar to naturally occurring glycosaminoglycans.
The main cause of interstitial cystitis appears to be a defective mucous glycosaminoglycans layer of the bladder that may cause increased bladder epithelial permeability. Such permeability allows movement of irritating urine solutes into interstitium and causes tissue injury. Although the mechanism of action of pentosan polysulfate sodium in the management of interstitial cystitis has not been fully elucidated, the drug appears to replenish the defective mucous (glycosaminoglycans) layer and restore bladder integrity (by adhering to the surface of the bladder); the drug acts as a buffer to control cell permeability and prevent irritating solutes from reaching epithelial cells.
Orally administered pentosan polysulfate sodium is a weak anticoagulant compared with heparin (1/15 activity of heparin); however, bleeding times may be increased. When pentosan polysulfate sodium was given parenterally (parenteral formulation not commercially available in the US) to a limited number of patients with congenital antithrombin III deficiency, the drug inhibited generation of factor Xa. In an ex vivo study, the drug inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation.
USES: This medication is used to treat pain/discomfort from a certain bladder disorder (interstitial cystitis). It may work by forming a layer on the bladder wall and protecting it from harmful/irritating substances in the urine. It is also a weak "blood thinner" and may increase the risk of bruising/bleeding (such as bleeding from the nose/gums).
Generic name: pentosan polysulfate sodium
Pronunciation: (PEN-toe-san paw-lee-SULL-fate SO-dee-um)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Elmiron
Indications
The following indications are listed for Elmiron:
- Bladder Pain
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Urinary Tract Irritation
Also known as: Cystalgia, Hunner's Ulcer, Vesical Pain.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Pentosan polysulfate sodium is administered orally with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
Pentosan polysulfate sodium is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, structurally related compounds, or any ingredient in the formulation.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
The most common adverse effects of pentosan polysulfate sodium include rectal hemorrhage, alopecia, diarrhea, nausea, headache, blood in stool, rash, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, abnormal liver function tests, dizziness, and bruising.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy of pentosan polysulfate sodium in pediatric patients younger than 16 years of age have not been established.
Category B. (See Users Guide.)
It is not known whether pentosan polysulfate sodium is distributed into milk. The drug should be used with caution in nursing women.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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