Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a condition that consists of bladder pressure and pain that may be accompanied by pelvic pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. The pain can range from severe pain to mild discomfort, and can vary daily. Approximately 1 million people in the United States suffer from IC, and while it can affect anyone, women are most likely to be affected, according to the UrologyChannel website. It is a chronic condition for which there is no cure, but there are treatments available that can help control symptoms.
Systemic Medication
Systemic medication is medication that is typically taken orally and goes throughout the entire body, as opposed to local medication, which stays in the affected area. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drug pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron) for the treatment of IC. Elmiron is thought to work by preventing irritants in urine from affecting the lining of the bladder, but the exact mechanism of action is not known. It is also hypothesized to help coat the bladder wall, further protecting it from irritants, according to UrologyChannel. Symptom relief is generally achieved within six months and the medication needs to be taken long-term to prevent recurrent symptoms. Oxybutynin chloride (Ditropan XL) and Detrol help reduce bladder spasms and urinary frequency and urgency associated with IC.
Local Medication
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) can be given through the urethra and into the bladder through a catheter, and this is the only FDA-approved intravesical treatment for IC, according to UrologyChannel. This medication lessens inflammation, muscle contractions and pain in the bladder. This kind of treatment is typically given weekly for six to eight weeks, and then every few weeks for up to a year, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sometimes, local anesthetics, steroids or Heparin are mixed with the DMSO, according to the UrologyChannel.
Chronic Pain Medications
Pain medications that are used in the treatment of IC include anticonvulsant drugs like Tegretol and Neurontin, Xanax, Vicodin or Percoset, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like Advil or Aleve, and antidepressants like Prozac, according to the UrologyChannel. These drugs help with muscle spasms of the pelvic floor and provide pain relief. Since these drugs can have serious side effects, it is important to be monitored by a physician when treating IC with chronic pain medications.
