Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium with Vitamin A Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
- Elmiron®
- Pentosan Polysulfate
Brand Names Associated with Vitamin A
- Aquasol A
- beta-carotene
- retinol
- retinyl acetate
- retinyl palmitate
- Vitamin A

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jan 02, 2024
Interaction Effect
Increased risk of bleeding
Interaction Summary
Concomitant administration of warfarin and vitamin A can cause an increased anticoagulant effect when large doses of vitamin A are given. Pretreatment with vitamin A at a dose of 25,000 International Units (IU) daily for 30 days resulted in a moderate increase in the hypoprothrombinemic response of dicumarol in 3 individuals given dicumarol 150 milligrams. Dosage adjustments may be necessary .
Severity
Moderate
Onset
Delayed
Evidence
Probable
How To Manage Interaction
Caution is advised if vitamin A and anticoagulants are used concomitantly. Monitor for signs and symptoms of excessive bleeding.
Mechanism Of Interaction
Unknown
Literature Reports
A) Pretreatment with vitamin A at a dose of 25,000 International Units (IU) daily for 30 days resulted in a moderate increase in the hypoprothrombinemic response of dicumarol in 3 individuals given dicumarol 150 milligrams. Dosage adjustments may be necessary .
Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Overview
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Pentosan polysulfate is used to relieve bladder pain and discomfort related to interstitial cystitis, a disease that causes swelling and scarring of the bladder wall. Pentosan polysulfate is similar to a class of medications called low molecular weight heparins. It works by preventing irritation of the bladder walls.
Vitamin A Overview
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Vitamin A is used as a dietary supplement when the amount of vitamin A in the diet is not enough. People most at risk for vitamin A deficiency are those with a limited variety of food in their diet and in those with cystic fibrosis (an inborn disease that causes problems with breathing, digestion, and reproduction) and malabsorption problems (problems absorbing food). Vitamin A is used to prevent and treat xerophthalmia (unable to see in low light) and night blindness. Vitamin A is in a class of medications called an antioxidant. It is needed by the body to help with vision, reproduction, cell growth, and to support the immune system. It works to protect your cells against free radicals and to support cell growth and function.
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Definitions
Severity Categories
Contraindicated
These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Major
This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.
Moderate
This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.
Minor
While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.
Onset
Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.
Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.
Evidence
Level of documentation of the interaction.
Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.
Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.
How To Manage The Interaction
Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.
It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.
Mechanism Of Interaction
The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.
Where Does Our Information Come From?
Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:
The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used.
Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.
The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.