| Interstital Cystitis | |
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Introduction >> |
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Symptoms >> |
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Etiology >> |
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Diagnosis >> |
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Epidemiology >> |
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General Management >> |
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Treatment >> |
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Medications >> |
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Direct Bladder Therapy >> |
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Surgical Treatments >> |
ORAL MEDICATIONS
Tricyclic antidepressants – Elavil (amitriptyline) have been reported to reduce IC symptoms at dosages of 25 to 50 mg once a day. Its central pain control, anti-histaminic effect and indirect anti-cholinergic properties have a positive impact on IC symptom reduction. Other medications include Tofranil (imipramine) and the Pamelor (nortriptyline).
Antispasmodics, such as Detrol, Ditropan, Vesicare and Enablex have only a sporadic (if any) role in the management of IC patients.
Elmiron (sodium pentosan polysulfate) was approved in 1996 by the FDA as the only specific IC oral medication. It is hypothesized that Elmiron being a synthetic polysaccharide rehabilitates the GAG layer and enhances its ability to prevent leakage of urine substances through the inner bladder wall. The recommended dosage of Elmiron is 100 mg three times a day for a period of 3 to 6 months. The potential side effects of Elmiron are: Upper gastrointestinal irritation (may be reversed with decapsulation of the actual medication), migraine headaches and mild hair loss, all of which are reversible when the medication is discontinued.
In addition, clinicians may prescribe medications that can alleviate (but not treat) the IC symptoms. Some of these medications are: Pyridium, Urispaz and Urelle.
Updated June 23rd, 2007