Elmiron (Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Capsules) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Elmiron

Interstitial Cystitis »

Overview of urinary function

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys, a pair of purplish-brown organs, are located below the ribs toward the middle of the back. The kidneys remove water and waste from the blood in the form of urine, keeping a stable balance of salts and other substances in the blood. The kidneys also produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the formation of red blood cells. Narrow tubes called ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, a triangle-shaped, muscular chamber in the lower abdomen. Like a balloon, the bladder's muscular, elastic walls relax and expand to store urine and contract and flatten when urine is emptied through the urethra. The typical adult bladder can store about 1 ½ cups of urine.

Adults urinate about 1 ½ quarts of urine each day. The amount of urine varies depending on the fluids and foods a person consumes. The volume...

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Elmiron

Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures

Urinary Incontinence in Men Slideshow Pictures

Food & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow Pictures

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ELMIRON® - 100 mg
(pentosan polysulfate sodium) Capsules

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Pentosan polysulfate sodium is a semi-synthetically produced heparin-like macro molecular carbohydrate derivative, which chemically and structurally resembles glycosaminoglycans. It is a white odorless powder, slightly hygroscopic and soluble in water to 50% at pH 6. It has a molecular weight of 4000 to 6000 Dalton with the following structural formula:

ELMIRON (pentosan polysulfate sodium) structural formula illustration

ELMIRON (pentosan polysulfate sodium capsules) ® is supplied in white opaque hard gelatin capsules containing 100 mg pentosan polysulfate sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. It also contains pharmaceutical glaze (modified) in SD-45, synthetic black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FD&C Red No. 40 aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, SDA-3A alcohol, and titanium dioxide. It is formulated for oral use.

What are the possible side effects of pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any easy bruising or unusual bleeding such as:

nosebleed;
blood in your urine or stools;
rectal bleeding;
coughing up blood;
bleeding gums; or
feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

hair...

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What are the precautions when taking pentosan polysulfate sodium capsules (Elmiron)?

Before taking pentosan polysulfate sodium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to heparin or low molecular weight heparin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, thrombocytopenia), blood vessel disorders (e.g., aneurysm), liver disease, spleen disorders, stomach/intestinal disorders (e.g., stomach ulcers, polyps, diverticula).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 2/4/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.