Hydroxyzine therapy for interstitial cystitis

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.