Pentosan

The recommended dose of pentosan is 100 mg three times daily (every 8 hours) taken at least one hour before or two hours after meals so that food does not retard its absorption. Patients should be evaluated after 3 months, and treatment may be continued for another three months if patients have not improved and they are tolerating pentosan.

Pentosan is a prescription medication used to treat pain and discomfort due to interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is bladder inflammation or irritation. Pentosan is similar to a group of drugs called low molecular weight heparins, which help prevent irritation of the bladder walls.

This medication comes in capsule form and is taken three times a day. It should be taken 1 hour before, or 2 hours after meals.

Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, nausea, and hair loss. 

Pentosan is a prescription medication used to treat pain and discomfort due to interstitial cystitis (IC).  

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Pentosan may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Elmiron

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Pentosan falls into category B. There are no well-done studies that have been done in humans with this medication. But in animal studies, pregnant animals were given pentosan, and the babies did not show any medical issues related to this medication.

Take pentosan exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Pentosan is taken by mouth, with water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.