Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Pentosan
Other Names: Elmiron Capsules, Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Capsules
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Elmiron? (Back to top)
PENTOSAN is used to treat the bladder pain or discomfort caused by interstitial cystitis. This is a condition that causes inflammation of parts of the kidney. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney or liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pentosan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• agents that prevent or dissolve blood clots like heparin or warfarin
• aspirin, especially in higher doses
• mifepristone

• clopidogrel
• dipyridamole
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• ticlopidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• abdominal pain
• blood in your urine or stools
• bruising
• coughing up blood
• diarrhea
• nosebleeds
• rash
• unusual bleeding

• hair loss
• headache
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is a very weak blood thinner. Watch for any signs of blood in your urine or stools or for any unusual bruising or bleeding. This risk may be increased if you take any other medicines that may thin the blood (see drug interactions). You may wish to check with your health care professional prior to taking any non-prescription products containing aspirin. Read package labels carefully.

Tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine if you are going to have a medical procedure or surgery.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:March 17, 2006

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