Oral Medications


  • Anti-Depressants - Certain anti-depressant drugs such as Amitriptyline appear to have anti pain properties.  
  • Cimetidine - More commonly used for healing stomach ulcers, this drug has also been found to be effective in controlling some symptoms of IC.  
  • Elmiron® - An oral medication working to restore the defective bladder lining    
  • Prelief® - Prelief® is a dietary supplement that is used to make eating and drinking acidic foods and drinks more tolerable.
  • L-Arginine - A naturally-occurring amino acid thought to increase the blood flow to the bladder




Anti-inflammatory drugs


Anti-Inflammatories are painkillers used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. When taken regularly they can have a lasting effect, making them useful in the treatment of continuous or regular pain associated with inflammation.

One of the side effects of this drug can be a stomach upset. In order to avoid this it is advised to take these drugs with food.

Some anti-inflammatories are available to purchase over the counter, for example aspirin or ibuprofen, whilst others are available only on prescription.


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Antispasmodics


This group of drugs are designed to calm the nerves that control the symptoms of urge incontinence. It relaxes the muscles and reduces the unstable contractions of the bladder.

This type of medication can be used to increase the bladder’s capacity and thus reduce the need to pass urine.

One of the reported side effects in some people is dryness of the mouth.

It is advised that you seek guidance from your medical practitioner in the event of any side effects connected with taking this drug.

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Antihistamines


Histamine is an enzyme that causes an increase in the internal dimensions of the blood vessels. This causes an increase in the flow of blood and a reduction in blood pressure. A further effect of histamine is an increase in the degree in which a fluid can pass through the blood vessel walls.

Atarax ® is an antihistamine that is used for treating dermatitis, hives and allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose).  It is used in the treatment of interstitial cystitis as it prevents the release of histamines that can cause inflammation. In the immediate term it can improve nocturia (the need to pass urine at night). Sufferers of interstitial cystitis should normally see an improvement within approximately six to eight weeks of continuous use.

For further information contact your local pharmacist or speak to your medical practitioner.


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Muscle relaxants


One of the symptoms of interstitial cystitis that may be experienced is rigidity of the pelvic floor muscles. Muscle relaxants are used to reduce this rigidity.

One such drug is Diazepam. This became widely used some years ago for the treatment of anxiety related conditions and suffered from a certain amount of adverse publicity in the 1970's when some abused its usage.  The drug is usually prescribed in low doses, and although in such doses it is rare, fatigue may occur. This usually, slowly disappears during the first few weeks. If you experience fatigue do not drive or operate machinery.

Baclofen is another muscle relaxant that may be prescribed for those with interstitial cystitis.

These drugs are available on prescription only.


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Antidepressants


Being prescribed an antidepressant may initially alarm some people. It is difficult to understand why a drug primarily designed to relieve depression is prescribed for the treatment of pain. Some people worry in case it has been prescribed in error, or that their medical practitioner believes them to be depressed. On occasions when a drug has been licensed for a particular use, research later shows that it may be effective in other conditions. The patient information leaflet that must accompany all drugs will therefore only outline the conditions for which the original licence was obtained.

You should be reassured that the person prescribing the drug will have thought very carefully, and taken into account all aspects of your illness before suggesting a course of treatment.

A commonly prescribed antidepressant is Amitriptyline, which can block the transmission of pain in the spinal chord and brain. For some this drug may have a sedative effect, and as a result the number of night time disturbances may be reduced. It is also believed to be effective in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis (involuntary passing of urine at night).

Other drugs within this group of antidepressants include: dothiepin, doxepin, lofepramine, nortriptyline and imipramine. They are available on prescription only.

For some, side effects of antidepressants can include increased sweating, a dry mouth, blurred vision and/or dizziness.  It is important that any side effects are reported to your medical practitioner