Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: PENTOSAN (PEN-toe-san)
This medicine is an interstitial cystitis agent used for relieving bladder pain or discomfort caused by bladder inflammation.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants (eg, heparin, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver problems, blood-clotting problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of a bleeding disorder due to low platelet levels, bleeding in the brain, hemophilia, stomach ulcers, intestinal polyps, or diverticulitis. Tell your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery or another medical procedure. This medicine should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 16 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine has a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. IT MAY TAKE 3 TO 6 MONTHS for this medicine to reach its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine or take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CLOT-FORMING CELLS (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools. TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR DENTIST that you take this medicine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you use this medicine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea; dizziness; hair loss; headache; nausea; stomach upset; or swelling of fingers, hands, toes, or feet. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience black, tarry, or bloody stools; unusual bruising or bleeding; or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include unusual bruising or bleeding, nausea, or vomiting.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.