Interstitial cystitis (IC)

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Cystitis - interstitial; IC

There is no cure for IC, nor are there any standard or consistently effective treatments. Results vary from individual to individual. As long as the cause is unknown, treatment is based on trial and error until relief is found.

Elmiron is the only medication taken by mouth that is specifically approved for the treatment of IC. This medicine coats the bladder like Pepto-Bismol coats the stomach.

Other medicines may include:

• Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline) may relieve pain and urinary frequency
• Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate), an antihistamine that causes sedation helps reduce urinary frequency
• Opioid painkillers for severe pain

Other therapies include:

• Instilled medications - medicines are placed directly into the bladder. Medicines that are given this way include dimethyl sulfoxide (DMS), heparin, Clorpactin, lidocaine, doxorubicin, or bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine.
• Surgery, ranging from cystoscopic manipulation to bladder removal (cystectomy)
• Bladder hydrodistention (filling bladder with fluid)
• Bladder training (using relaxation techniques to train the bladder to go only at specific times)
• Physical therapy and biofeedback (may help relieve pelvic floor muscle spasms)

Diet modification

Some patients find that changes in their diet can help control symptoms. The idea is to avoid foods and beverages that can cause bladder irritation. Below are some of the foods that the Interstitial Cystitis Association says may cause bladder irritation.

• Aged cheeses
• Sour Cream
• Yogurt
• Chocolate
• Onions
• Tofu
• Soy
• Fava and lima beans
• Tomatoes
• Most fruits except blueberries, honeydew melon, and pears
• Rye bread
• Sourdough bread
• Meats that are cured, processed, smoked, canned, aged, or that contain nitrites
• Nuts except almonds, cashews, and pine nuts
• Alcohol
• Citrus juices
• Coffee
• Tea
• Cranberry juice (Note: Although cranberry juice is often recommended for urinary tract infections, it can make IC symptoms worse)
• Seasonings that contain MSG
• Artificial sweeteners