Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 5, 2024.
Applies to pentosan polysulfate sodium: oral capsule.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Check with your doctor right away if blurred vision, difficulty with reading, slower adjustment to low or reduced light, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want your eyes be checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) and eye tests will be needed, especially within 6 months of starting treatment with this medicine.
This medicine can temporarily lower the number of platelets in your blood, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. Because of this, you may bleed longer than usual or get bruised more easily. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take to reduce the risk of bleeding:
- Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
- Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.
- Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
- Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Serious side effects
Along with its needed effects, pentosan polysulfate sodium may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pentosan polysulfate sodium:
Less common side effects
- black, tarry stools
- bleeding of the gums
- blindness
- blood in the urine or stools
- blue-yellow color
- blurred, decreased, or other changes in vision
- bruising
- burning, dry, or itching eyes
- burning feeling in the chest or stomach
- chest pain or tightness
- chills
- cough
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- discharge, excessive tearing
- dizziness
- eye pain
- fast heartbeat
- heartburn
- hives, itching, skin rash
- indigestion
- large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
- loss of appetite
- nosebleed
- painful or difficult urination
- pain or burning in the throat
- pale skin
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
- stomach cramps, tenderness, or upset
- swollen glands
- uncontrolled eye movements
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- watery or bloody diarrhea
- weight loss
Rare side effects
- yellow eyes or skin
Other side effects
Some side effects of pentosan polysulfate sodium may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common side effects
- belching
- bloating
- body aches or pain
- constipation
- continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
- diarrhea
- discouragement
- dizziness
- dryness of the throat
- excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
- feeling sad or empty
- full feeling
- headache
- hearing loss
- hoarseness
- increased body movements
- increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
- increased sweating
- indigestion
- irritability
- itching of the vagina or genital area
- loss of interest or pleasure
- nausea
- pain during sexual intercourse
- passing gas
- redness or other discoloration of the skin
- runny or stuffy nose
- severe sunburn
- sneezing
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
- thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
- thinning or loss of hair
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- voice changes
Rare side effects
- absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
- difficulty in moving
- joint pain
- muscle pain or stiffness
- stopping of menstrual bleeding
For healthcare professionals
Applies to pentosan polysulfate sodium: oral capsule, oral delayed release capsule.
General adverse events
The most frequently reported side effects were alopecia, diarrhea, nausea, headache, rash, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, liver function abnormalities, and dizziness.[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Alopecia, rash
- Frequency not reported: Ecchymosis, photosensitivity, pruritus, urticaria, sweating increased[Ref]
Hepatic
- Common (1% to 10%): Liver function abnormal
- Frequency not reported: Liver function test elevated[Ref]
Genitourinary
- Common (1% to 10%): Urinary frequency
- Frequency not reported: Vaginitis, pelvic pain[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain
- Frequency not reported: Vomiting, mouth ulcer, colitis, esophagitis, gastritis, flatulence, constipation, gum hemorrhage, enlarged abdomen
- Postmarketing reports: Rectal hemorrhage[Ref]
Nervous system
- Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
- Frequency not reported: Hyperkinesia[Ref]
Hematologic
- Frequency not reported: Anemia, prothrombin time increased, partial thromboplastin time increased, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, coagulation disorder[Ref]
Respiratory
- Frequency not reported: Pharyngitis, rhinitis, epistaxis, dyspnea[Ref]
Ocular
- Frequency not reported: Conjunctivitis, optic neuritis, amblyopia, retinal hemorrhage, lacrimation, nystagmus[Ref]
Immunologic
- Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction[Ref]
Metabolic
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Frequency not reported: Emotional lability/depression, insomnia, mood swings, suicidal ideation[Ref]
Other
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight gain, weight loss
- Frequency not reported: Tinnitus, peripheral edema, asthenia[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myalgia, arthralgia[Ref]
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References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium)." Baker Norton Pharmaceuticals
2. EMEA. European Medicines Agency (2007) EPARs. European Union Public Assessment Reports. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/includes/medicines/medicines_landingpage.jsp&mid
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
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Further information
Pentosan polysulfate sodium side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.