T C Theoharides1, G R Sant. 1. Department of Pharmacology / Experimental Therapeutics, Tufts University School of Medicine, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: 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.
OBJECTIVES: 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.