What is Elmiron?
Elmiron is an FDA approved drug (since 1996) used in the treatment of Interstitial Cystitis (IC). Elmiron’s chemical name is pentosan polysulfate sodium. It is manufactured in 100mg doses, taken in pill form. In the United States it is manufactured by Alza Pharmaceuticals. Elmiron is a fairly new drug treatment for IC. At it’s root Elmiron is a very weak anticoagulant (blood thinner) when administered through an IV, however taking it orally as IC patients do, has very little of this action. Elmiron is typically considered to be a Heparinoid, which means that it is structurally similar to heparin sulfate an element found on the bladder surface mucin. Elmiron is excreted through the urine and therefore a small amount of it passes through the bladder unchanged. This action is thought to cause Elmiron to adhere to the bladder lining. Elmiron is metabolised through the liver, and therefore patients with pre-existing liver conditions may not be suitable for Elmiron.
