PENTOSAN (Systemic)
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
Category
- Anti-inflammatory, local (interstitial cystitis)
Description
Pentosan (PEN-toe-san) is used to relievethe symptoms of the bladder condition called interstitial cystitis.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in thefollowing dosage form:
Oral- Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it willdo. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pentosan, the followingshould be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to pentosan. Also tell your health care professional ifyou are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, ordyes.
Pregnancy?Pentosan has not been shown to cause birth defectsor other problems in humans. However, studies in animal tissues have shownthat pentosan may be harmful to the fetus. Before taking this medicine, makesure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether pentosan passes into breastmilk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, manyof them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking thismedicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only in adultpatients, and there is no specific information comparing use of pentosan inchildren with use in other age groups.
Older adults?This medicine has been tested and has not been shownto cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does inyounger adults.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are takingpentosan, it is especially important that your health care professional knowif you are taking any of the following:
- Alteplase or
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) or
- Aspirin, high doses or
- Heparin or
- Streptokinase?Taking these medicines with pentosan may increasethe risk of bleeding
Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of pentosan. Make sure you tell your doctor ifyou have any other medical problems, especially:
- Blood or blood vessel disease or other blood problems or
- Blockage or obstruction of the intestine or
- Polyps or
- Stomach ulcers?The risk of bleeding may be increased
- Liver disease or
- Spleen problems?Pentosan may not be broken down in the bodyas fast as it normally would; the chance of side effects may be increased
Proper Use of This Medicine
Take thismedicine on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals)and at least 1 hour before or after any other food, milk, or medicine. Also,always take it with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Sometimes pentosan must be taken for up to 3 to 6 months before you beginto feel better. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits duringthis time.
It is important that you follow any special instructions from your doctor.Some foods and beverages may aggravate your condition. Also, make certainyour health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such asa low-sodium or low-sugar diet.
Dosing?The dose of pentosan will be different fordifferent patients. Follow your doctor's orders or thedirections on the label. The following information includes only theaverage doses of pentosan. If your dose is different,do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For oral dosage form (capsules):
- To treat interstitial cystitis:
- Adults?100 milligrams (mg) three times a day for three months.Your doctor may tell you to repeat this dose.
- Children?Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it assoon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip themissed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in otherdamp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
- Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Thismedicine may increase the risk of serious bleeding. Before having any kindof surgery or dental or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentistin charge that you are using this medicine.
It is important that you follow any special dietary instructions from yourdoctor. Some foods and beverages may aggravate your condition.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine maycause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur,if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Other side effects may occur that usually donot need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatmentas your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if anyof the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If younotice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 05/20/1998
