12.5: Treatment
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Medical Treatment
- Sodium Pentosan Polysulphate (Tavan SP): This is a synthetic form of GAG that replenishes the deficient GAG layer
- Amitryptiline: Useful for pain control
- Hydroxyzine (Aterax): (Antihistamine) Some cases of IC are associated with an allergic response and hence an antihistamine may prove beneficial.
It is recommended that above three agents are used together to maximise effect.
- Anticholinergics: Usually ineffective in this condition
Intravesical Treatment
- Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO)
- Heparin based solutions
Surgery
- Bladder hydrodistention: Bladder distention under anaesthesia often gives good temporary symptomatic relief and can be repeated.
- Surgery: Only in highly selected cases and includes cystoplasty to increase bladder capacity and occasionally cystectomy and urinary diversion.