An
improved method of treating lower urinary dysfunctional
epithelium (LUDE) or a
disease, condition, or syndrome associated with LUDE, including
interstitial cystitis, comprises the step of administering orally a pharmaceutically effective quantity of
heparin to a patient in need of treatment for LUDE or a
disease, condition, or syndrome associated with LUDE in order to treat LUDE or a
disease, condition, or syndrome associated with LUDE. The
heparin can be administered together with a quantity of a
penetration enhancer that is sufficient to result in a tissue concentration of
heparin that is sufficient to treat LUDE or a disease, condition, or syndrome associated with LUDE. A suitable
penetration enhancer is
sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]caprylate. The method can further comprise the administration of at least one additional pharmaceutical composition to treat LUDE or a disease, condition, or syndrome associated with LUDE The invention further includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (1) a quantity of heparin that is pharmaceutically sufficient for the treatment of LUDE or a disease, condition, or syndrome associated with LUDE; and (b) at least one filler,
excipient, or carrier; wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for the treatment of LUDE or a disease, condition, or syndrome associated with LUDE.