Pentosan Polysulfate

Conditions Treated

Pentosan polysulfate is used to relieve bladder pain and discomfort related to interstitial cystitis, a disease that causes swelling and scarring of the bladder wall. Pentosan polysulfate is similar to a class of medications called low molecular weight heparins. It works by preventing irritation of the bladder walls.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Pentosan polysulfate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• hair loss
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• heartburn
• headache
• rash
• stomach pain
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• moodiness
• dizziness

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• unusual bruising or bleeding
• nosebleed
• heavy gum bleeding
• black and tarry stools
• red blood in stools
• bloody vomit
• vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds

Pentosan polysulfate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Pentosan polysulfate comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with water three times a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pentosan polysulfate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking pentosan polysulfate, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pentosan polysulfate, danaparoid (Orgaran), heparin, or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirin. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an aneurysm, hemophilia, ulcers, low platelet count, an intestinal blockage, or liver or spleen disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking pentosan polysulfate. you should know that pentosan polysulfate has a blood-thinning effect and may cause increased bleeding.