title: Pentosan polysulfate: a review of its use in the relief of bladder pain or discomfort in interstitial cystitis.
abstract: Pentosan polysulfate (pentosan polysulfate sodium; ELMIRON), a heparin-like, sulfated polysaccharide, is used to manage bladder pain and discomfort in adults with interstitial cystitis (IC). Preliminary clinical models suggest that pentosan polysulfate repairs damaged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layers lining the urothelium and in vitro data suggest it may provide an anti-inflammatory effect in patients with IC. Pentosan polysulfate shows beneficial effects in a proportion of patients with IC in terms of the improvement of a patient's overall condition and the relief of pain, and it is a generally well tolerated therapy. It is the only US FDA-approved oral treatment for the relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with IC, and data support its role as an important option in the treatment of patients with IC.
authors.affiliation: Adis International Limited, 41 Centorian Drive, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 1311, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz
authors.forename: Vanessa R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Caroline M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Perry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010426:Pentosan Sulfuric Polyester / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D010426:Pentosan Sulfuric Polyester