Concentrated anti-inflammatory and stimulant of cartilage
synthesis, repair and protection (250 mg/mL).
Composition Contains: Sodium pentosan polysulfate 250 mg/mL
Features and Benefits Sodium pentosan polysulfate (PPS) is a linear
polymer prepared from xylan, a complex hemicellulose extract of plant
(Beechwood) origin. PPS is one of the sulfated heparinoid compounds. The
heparin-like anti-coagulant effects have been reduced and the
anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and tissue trophic effects have been enhanced.
PENTOSAN EQUINE actively reverses the effects of osteoarthritis in the joints
via a series of actions, including:
(a) Stimulating Chondrocyte Metabolism - resulting in increased production of
proteoglycans and healthy cartilage matrix. PPS stimulates synovial fibroblasts
to produce increased amounts of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which
results in an increased production of normally viscous joint fluid. Improving
the fluid volume and consistency results in more effective joint lubrication
and stabilisation, which limits further cartilage damage.
(b) Anti-inflammatory Activity - PPS has an inhibitory action on all mediators
of the arachidonic acid cascade. PPS also inhibits the lysosomal catabolic
enzymes hyaluronidase, histamine, cathepsin B, and polymorphonuclear elastase.
PPS exerts a specific inhibitory effect on mediators implicated in the
degradation of cartilage matrix components, preserving the cartilage and
preventing the release of the highly inflammatory mediators, thus relieving
pain and inflammation.
(c) Fibrinolysis and Lipolysis - PPS is strongly fibrinolytic, stimulating the
release of plasminogen activator, and promoting the dissolution of thrombi and
fibrin deposits in synovial tissues and subchondral blood vessels. PPS also
mobilises lipids and cholesterol in synovial and subchondral blood vessels,
which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis in older
animals. These effects combine to increase the prefusion to the joint, which
stimulates cartilage healing and repair. PENTOSAN EQUINE is a sophisticated
approach to the long-term management of osteoarthritis in horses. PENTOSAN
EQUINE is equally effective by both intramuscular and intra-articular
injection. Unlike traditional treatments, the unique effects of PENTOSAN EQUINE
promote healing and the restoration of a healthy joint, in addition to having a
safe anti-inflammatory effect. PENTOSAN EQUINE is NOT a non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug like Phenylbutazone, or the cortisones (both of which
have damaging effects on joints with prolonged use). PENTOSAN EQUINE does not
suppress joint cartilage healing and repair. Rather than simply masking pain,
PPS directly stimulates joint healing and repair. Anti-inflammatory agents,
corticosteroids and NSAIDs all relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis but DO
NOT ALTER THE DISEASE PROCESS. Both hydrocortisone and NSAIDs have a marked
inhibitory effect on the bio-synthesis of the components of the extracellular
matrix of cartilage, which limits the early healing response of cartilage to
injury.
Indications - Non-infectious inflammatory joint disease, traumatic
arthritis, degenerative cartilaginous joint disease, osteoarthritis and
osteochondrosis dessicans in horses.
Dosage and Administration - Administer at a dose rate of 3 mg/kg bodyweight
(1.5 g / 500 kg horse), by intramuscular injection, at 5 - 7 day intervals for
four injections. PENTOSAN EQUINE is equally effective when given by
intramuscular or intra-articular injection. If intra-articular use is required,
administer 1mL by sterile intra-articular injection. PPS has an affinity for
cartilage, and active drug levels will accumulate for several days after
administration. For maximum effect, tissues should be exposed to the drug over
an extended period, hence the four injections. A period of improvement for up
to 6 months following a course of four injections may be expected. If at any
time during this period the horse becomes sore (e.g. following a particular
activity), it is safe to administer a further injection to settle any
inflammatory process. PENTOSAN EQUINE is particularly effective, and displays
synergy with, concurrent use of COSEQUIN EQUINE (Glucosamine and Chondroitin
sulfate supplement), to provide the essential raw materials for joint repair
and maintenance.
Presentation - 6mL sterile single dose glass vial. Provides one
dose (1.5 g) for a 500 kg horse at the recommended dose rate (3 mg/kg). Storage
Store at 2 - 8o C (Refrigerate. Do not freeze). Protect from light.
Contraindications: Use in horses with clotting defects, traumatic hemorrhage,
infection, renal or hepatic failure, or within 48 hours of surgery.
Basic Information
Pentosan polysulfate (PPS) is a
heparin-like, semi-synthetic polysaccharide-ester derived from beechwood
hemicellulose. PPS is a mild anticoagulant, with anti-inflammatory,
fibrinolytic and hypolipidemic properties. In human medicine, PPS is used to
treat interstitial cystitis, particularly in women. In veterinary medicine, PPS
is used to manage and treat OA. PPS is thought to help preserve cartilage
integrity and to improve joint health by supporting anabolic activity of
chondrocytes and synoviocytes. It also provides protection from catabolic
events within the joint by reducing levels of cytokines and inflammatory mediators
within cartilage matrix and synovial fluid.
Horses
PPS is used systemically in horses as a
part of conservative management/treatment of OA. Studies have shown therapeutic
levels in synovial fluid following intra-muscular (IM) administration. PPS
usually is administered by IM injection once a week for a series of four weeks.
It also may be administered intra-articularly.
Dogs
PPS is used in the medical management
of OA and after joint surgery in dogs. In both instances, PPS is injected
either subcutaneously or IM once a week for four consecutive weeks.
Pentosan Polysulfate
Side Effects
- PPS generally is well
tolerated.
- Horses: Systemic PPS has been shown to elevate PTT for up to
24 hours. When used intra-articularly, there is the possibility of
intra-articular bleeding. Appropriate bandaging and rest post-injection
are recommended.
- Dogs: Mild GI disturbances including vomiting, anorexia.
Precautions
PPS affects clotting time. It should be
used with caution in animals receiving anti-coagulants or those under going
surgery in the near future.
Drug Interactions
Although no
specific drug interactions were found, PPS should be used with care in animals
receiving other drugs that affect clotting function.