Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), also known as Elmiron, is a prescription medication used to treat bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). BPS/IC is a chronic bladder condition that causes pain, pressure, and discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region. PPS is thought to work by coating and protecting the lining of the bladder, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
PPS is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of BPS/IC. It is generally well-tolerated, but some side effects may occur, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. A rare eye condition called pigmentary maculopathy has also been reported in a small number of people taking PPS.
In addition to its use for BPS/IC, PPS is also being investigated for potential use in the treatment of other conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Painful bowel syndrome
- Vulvodynia
- Interstitial cystitis in men
- Radiation cystitis
- Chemotherapy-induced cystitis
- Overactive bladder
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Research on the use of PPS for these conditions is still ongoing, but the results so far have been promising.
Pentosan Polysulfate Peptide Research
The research on PPS for the treatment of BPS/IC began in the 1960s. Since then, there have been numerous clinical trials that have evaluated the safety and efficacy of PPS for this condition.
In 1976, the first clinical trial of PPS in humans with BPS/IC was published. The trial was small, but it showed that PPS was effective in reducing bladder pain and improving bladder capacity.
In the 1980s and 1990s, several larger clinical trials were conducted to confirm the safety and efficacy of PPS for the treatment of BPS/IC. These trials showed that PPS was effective in reducing bladder pain, improving bladder capacity, and reducing the frequency of urination.
In 1996, the FDA approved PPS for the treatment of BPS/IC. Since then, PPS has become the standard of care for the treatment of this condition.
Current State of PPS Research
Research on PPS for the treatment of BPS/IC is ongoing. Researchers are currently studying the long-term safety and efficacy of PPS, as well as the best ways to use PPS in combination with other treatments for BPS/IC.
Researchers are also studying the mechanisms by which PPS works to reduce bladder pain and improve bladder function. A better understanding of how PPS works could lead to the development of new and even more effective treatments for BPS/IC.
Other Potential Uses of PPS
In addition to its use for BPS/IC, PPS is also being investigated for potential use in the treatment of other conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: PPS may help to reduce pain and inflammation in people with osteoarthritis.
- Painful bowel syndrome: PPS may help to reduce pain and inflammation in people with painful bowel syndrome.
- Vulvodynia: PPS may help to reduce pain and inflammation in people with vulvodynia.
- Interstitial cystitis in men: PPS may help to reduce pain and inflammation in men with interstitial cystitis.
- Radiation cystitis: PPS may help to reduce pain and inflammation in people who have received radiation therapy to the bladder.
- Chemotherapy-induced cystitis: PPS may help to reduce pain and inflammation in people who have received chemotherapy drugs that can damage the bladder.
- Overactive bladder: PPS may help to reduce bladder spasms and the frequency of urination in people with overactive bladder.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections: PPS may help to reduce the frequency of recurrent urinary tract infections.
Research on the use of PPS for these conditions is still ongoing, but the results so far have been promising.
PPS is a safe and effective medication for the treatment of BPS/IC. It is the only FDA-approved medication for this condition. PPS is also being investigated for potential use in the treatment of other conditions, such as osteoarthritis, painful bowel syndrome, vulvodynia, and interstitial cystitis in men.
If you are considering taking PPS, it is important to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you to determine if PPS is right for you and can monitor you for any side effects.
