Elmiron (Pentosan) polysulfate is used for the initial and maintenance treatment of interstitial cystitis (an inflammation in the bladder). It works by acting like a natural substance in the wall of the bladder that is needed to prevent the pain and discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis.

Elmiron (Pentosan) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Elmiron (Pentosan) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Elmiron (Pentosan) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Elmiron (Pentosan) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Elmiron (Pentosan), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Elmiron (Pentosan) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Elmiron (Pentosan) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Elmiron (Pentosan) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended adult dose of Elmiron (Pentosan) polysulfate is 100 mg three times daily with water, at least one hour before or 2 hours after meals. Some people may require 6 to 8 weeks of treatment to achieve relief of symptoms. You may need to take Elmiron (Pentosan) for long periods of time to prevent the return of symptoms.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Elmiron (Pentosan) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Elmiron (Pentosan) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Elmiron (Pentosan). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Elmiron (Pentosan) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Elmiron (Pentosan). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• hair loss
• headache
• itching
• nausea
• rash

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• shortness of breath
• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, rectal bleeding, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• skin rash or Hives
• vision changes (difficulty reading, slow adjustment to decreased light, wavy or blurred vision)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Elmiron (Pentosan).

Each white, opaque, hard gelatin capsule, imprinted with "BNP 7600" contains 100 mg of Elmiron (Pentosan) polysulfate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and titanium dioxide.