II. Indications

III. Mechanism

  1. Semisynthetic glucosaminoglycan

IV. Dosing

  1. Pentosan polysulfate 100 mg PO tid

V. Efficacy

  1. Symptoms improve as much as 50% in controlled trials
  2. Response may not be seen for 3 to 6 months

VI. Adverse Effects

  1. Diarrhea
  2. Dyspepsia
  3. Alopecia (reversible)
  4. Headache
  5. Rash
  6. Dizziness
  7. Abdominal Pain
  8. Liver function abnormalities (<4%)
  9. Retinal damage (Pigmentary Maculopathy)
    1. Retinal pigment changes result in Blurred Vision and difficulty in adjusting to dim lighting
    2. Risk increases with prolonged use (25% of patients using Elmiron >15 years)
    3. Dilated Eye Exam is recommended for patients on Elmiron
    4. Pearce (2018) Ophthalm 125(11): 1793-802 [PubMed]
    5. (2018) presc lett 27(2): 10

VII. References

  1. Bade (1997) Br J Urol 79:168-71
  2. Parsons (1993) J Urol 150:845-8

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Cost: Medications

elmiron (on 9/15/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing)
ELMIRON 100 MG CAPSULE $10.09 each