Elmiron Information and Uses

Elmiron

Last Updated: 12:47pm 06.17.13 by Beth Bolt, RPh

Elmiron Overview Follow Medication

Elmiron (generic: pentosan) is a prescription medication used to treat pain and discomfort due to interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is bladder inflammation or irritation. Elmiron is similar to a group of drugs called low molecular weight heparins, which help prevent irritation of the bladder walls.

This medication comes in capsule form and is taken one capsule three times a day. It should be taken 1 hour before, or 2 hours after meals.

Some of the common side effects of Elmiron are headache, diarrhea, nausea, and hair loss.

Uses of Elmiron

Elmiron is a prescription medication used to treat pain and discomfort due to interstitial cystitis (IC).

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Elmiron

The most common side effects of Elmiron are:

hair loss
diarrhea
nausea
blood in stool
headache
rash
upset stomach
abnormal liver function tests
dizziness
bruising

Call your doctor if these side effects don't go away or are bothersome or if there is blood in your stool.

Elmiron Interactions

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you are taking:

warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
heparin
high doses of aspirin
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen

Elmiron Precautions

Do not take Elmiron if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any ingredient in Elmiron.

Elmiron may increase bleeding. Tell your doctor if you are going to have a surgery, or if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), heparin, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen.

Elmiron may increase hair loss.

Elmiron should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Elmiron Food Interactions

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Elmiron there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving Elmiron.

Inform MD

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you are taking:

warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
heparin
high doses of aspirin
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have liver problems.

Elmiron and Pregnancy

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Elmiron will harm your unborn baby.

Elmiron and Lactation

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Elmiron is excreted in human milk or if it will harm your nursing baby.

Elmiron Usage

Take Elmiron exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Elmiron is taken by mouth, with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Elmiron Dosage

Take Elmiron exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you.

The recommended dose of Elmiron is 300 mg daily taken as one 100 mg capsule by mouth three times a day. Elmiron may be used for up to 6 months.

Elmiron Overdose

If you have taken too much Elmiron, call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.

Forms of Elmiron

Elmiron is available in 100 mg capsules.

Active ingredient: pentosan polysulfate sodium

Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, ferrosoferric oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Blue No. 1, D&C Yellow No. 10, aluminum oxide, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, titanium dioxide