Elmiron

Elmiron - General Information

A sulfated pentosyl polysaccharide with heparin-like properties. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Elmiron

Pentosan polysulfate sodium is a low molecular weight heparin-like compound. It has anticoagulant and fibrinolytic effects.

 

Elmiron for patients

ELMIRON is the only oral FDA-approved medication for the relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with Interstitial Cystitis (IC). Clinical studies have proven ELMIRON to be both effective and well tolerated.
ELMIRON can help reduce the pain and discomfort of IC. Scientific studies show that ELMIRON relieves bladder pain in 38% to 61% of IC patients after 3 months. Even more patients can experience relief by 6 months. Relief may be gradual, and some people don't see significant improvement for 3 to 6 months. ELMIRON takes time to work; ELMIRON does not heal the bladder wall. Instead, ELMIRON may protect the bladder wall while it heals, which is a slow process. Therefore, you need to continue with your treatment. The majority of patients who take ELMIRON begin to respond in the first 3 months. Others may need 3 to 6 months of therapy before obtaining relief.

• Eliminate foods from your diet that make your symptoms worse

It is important that you don't stop taking ELMIRON or reduce your dosage just because you are feeling better or because ELMIRON is not working right away. You should not stop taking ELMIRON if you begin feeling better. Without ELMIRON, the damage to the bladder's mucous layer may return along with the pain and discomfort. It may take 3 to 6 months of therapy before you obtain relief. If your symptoms have not improved after 6 months, consult your healthcare professional.
Interstitial Cystitis is a long-lasting condition, and continuing ELMIRON may help maintain relief. In a long-term study of the typical treatment of IC, ELMIRON provided relief from symptoms for as long as 3 years. The benefits of ELMIRON are usually maintained with continued ELMIRON therapy in those patients who find relief. ELMIRON does not lose its effectiveness with prolonged, continuous use.
To get the best results, always take ELMIRON as your doctor prescribes.
Managing possible side effects
ELMIRON has been shown to be well tolerated. The most common side effects were diarrhea, nausea, hair loss, headache, rash, upset stomach, abdominal pain, liver function abnormalities, and dizziness. Overall, each of these side effects occurred at rates of 1% to 4%. When side effects did occur, they were generally mild and usually did not interfere with continuing treatment. Hair loss, when it occurred, was almost always limited to a single area of the scalp, and grew back when ELMIRON was discontinued. ELMIRON is a weak anticoagulant (blood thinner) that may increase bleeding. Call your doctor if you will be undergoing surgery or will be taking anticoagulant therapy such as warfarin, heparin, high doses of aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

 

Elmiron Interactions

Drug-Drug Interactions: Not studied.

 

Elmiron Contraindications

Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, structurally related compounds, or excipients.

 

Additional information about Elmiron

Elmiron Indication: For the relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis.
Mechanism Of Action: Pentosan polysulfate is a polymer of xylose hydrogen sulfate and contains two sulfate groups per carbohydrate monomer. It binds Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) as well as other heparin-binding growth factors. It has been shown to interact also with the heparin-binding site of FGFR-1. It inhibits the growth of SW13 adrenocortical cells transfected with FGF-4 and tumorigenicity of MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells transfected with FGF-1 or FGF-4.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Pentosan Polysulfate
Synonyms: Not Available
Drug Category: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Anticoagulants; Enzyme Inhibitors
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Pentosan Polysulfate: Elmiron;
Absorption: Slow
Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: 4.8 hours
Dosage Forms of Elmiron: Capsule Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: [(2R,3R,4S,5R)-2-hydroxy-5-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-5-hydroxy-3,4-disulfooxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-3-sulfooxyoxan-4-yl] hydrogen sulfate
Chemical Formula: C10H18O21S4
Pentosan Polysulfate on Wikipedia: Not Available
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals