Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 29, 2024.

Applies to pentosan polysulfate sodium: oral capsule.

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]

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.

Medical Disclaimer