Pentosan Side Effects

Please note - some side effects for Pentosan may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects of Pentosan - for the Consumer

Pentosan

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Pentosan:

Diarrhea; dizziness; hair loss; headache; nausea; stomach upset; swelling of fingers, hands, toes, or feet.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomiting that looks like coffee grounds.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported the most frequently. These have included nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, vomiting, and rectal hemorrhage.

In a phase 4 study of patients with interstitial cystitis (n=380) taking pentosan polysulfate sodium, the incidence of rectal hemorrhage was reported at 15% in patients taking doses of 900 mg/day versus 6.3% in patients taking the recommended daily dosage of 300 mg/day.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included alopecia, pruritus, and urticaria.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included headache (3%) and dizziness (1%). Hyperkinesia, insomnia, and depression have also been reported.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included anemia, ecchymosis, increased prothrombin time, increased partial thromboplastin time, and thrombocytopenia.

There have been case reports of thrombocytopenia similar to heparin induced thrombocytopenia associated with a parenteral form of pentosan polysulfate sodium. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of heparin induced thrombocytopenia.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included liver function abnormalities: mildly elevated (<2.5 normal) transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactic dehydrogenase.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included pharyngitis, rhinitis, epistaxis, and dyspnea.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included conjunctivitis, optic neuritis, amblyopia, and retinal hemorrhage.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included allergic reactions and photosensitivity.

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