Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
A to Z Drug Facts
| Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium |
| (PEN-toe-san) |
| Elmiron |
| Class: Urinary Analgesic |
Action Unknown. Adheres to and may protect the mucosal membrane of the bladder.
Indications For relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis.
Contraindications Standard considerations.
Route/Dosage
ADULTS: PO 100 mg tid.
Interactions
Anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, thrombolytics: Pentosan has weak anticoagulant properties and may potentiate the pharmacological action of other anticoagulants, antiplatelet or thrombolytic drugs.
Lab Test Interferences None reported.
Adverse Reactions
CNS: Headache; emotional lability; depression; dizziness. DERM: Alopecia; rash. GI: Nausea; abdominal pain; diarrhea; dyspepsia. HEPA: Liver function abnormalities.
Precautions
Pregnancy: Category B. Lactation: Unknown. Children: Safety and efficacy not established. Hepatic/Splenic function impairment: Use with caution. Thrombocytopenia: Use with caution in patients with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Anticoagulant effects: Since drug has weak anticoagulant effects, carefully evaluate patients with diseases such as aneurysms, thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, GI ulcerations, polyps or diverticula before initiating therapy.
| PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS |
|
Administration/Storage
- Administer with water ³ 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- Store at room temperature (68° to 77°F) in tightly-closed container.
Assessment/Interventions
- Obtain patient history including drug history and any known allergies. Note presence of hepatic or splenic disease or disease which may predispose to bleeding (eg, hemophilia) and history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
- Monitor patients for signs of bleeding, especially those on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.
- Assess for pain relief or improvement to help determine effectiveness of treatment.
- Monitor for adverse reactions and report to physician any notable findings.
| OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS |
| |
Unknown. Based on its pharmacology, overdose is likely to manifest as an increased risk of anticoagulation, thrombocytopenia, gastric pain, and liver function abnormalities |
|
Patient/Family Education
- Instruct patient to take as prescribed and not more frequently than directed.
- Instruct patient to take pentosan polysulfate sodium ³ 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals with a full glass of water.
- Inform patient of possible adverse reactions with other drugs or foods they may be taking.
- Advise patient to consult with physician before taking any other medications including otcs.
- Instruct patient to assess pain relief or improvement and report to the primary care provider ³ q 3 months to determine effectiveness of treatment.
- Instruct patient to be aware of adverse effects such as bleeding complications (eg, ecchymosis, epistaxis, gum hemorrhage) and alopecia areata. Inform physician if noted.
- Instruct patient to inform physician if needing invasive dental work, surgery, or other procedures that might expose patient to increased risk for bleeding.
- Advise the patient to notify primary caregiver if they experience jaundice or other signs of liver disease.
- Instruct female patients to notify primary care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or planning to breastfeed.
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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts