Hydroxyzine therapy for interstitial cystitis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the usefulness of oral hydroxyzine for the treatment of symptomatic interstitial cystitis.


METHODS
This study was an open-label, nonconsecutive case series of patients treated by their local physicians, in consultation with the authors. A case-report form using visual analog scales was used to assess outcomes.


RESULTS
Out of 140 patients, 90 (65%) returned the case-report forms. A 40% reduction in symptom scores was reported. This rose to 55% in patients with a history of allergies.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydroxyzine is a useful drug for the symptomatic treatment of IC, especially in patients with documented allergies and/or evidence of bladder mast cell activation.
Theoharides
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TC
Department of Pharmacology / Experimental Therapeutics, Tufts University School of Medicine, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
Sant
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D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006919:Hydroxyzine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D006919:Hydroxyzine