IC & Allergy Medication

Treating interstitial cystitis primarily involves symptom control. Some antihistamines commonly used to treat allergy symptoms benefit people suffering from IC by reducing mast cell inflammation in the bladder. Histamine in the body causes mast cell inflammation and antihistamines block this action.

Mast Cells

• All people have mast cells in their bladders. For reasons not known to scientists, people with IC tend to have a higher number of such cells, leading them to be more susceptible to inflammation.

Allergies

• Many people with IC suffer worsening of symptoms or flares of bladder pain and urinary frequency during times when people typically suffer from seasonal allergies, such as spring.

Prescription Antihistamine

• Doctors often prescribe hydroxyzine, which has anti-anxiety properties and a mild sedative effect as well as the ability to degranulate or shrink mast cells, reducing symptoms.

OTC Antihistamines

• Some over-the-counter antihistamines work to reduce symptoms as well, such as loratadine and diphenhydramine. OTC allergy medication containing decongestants tend to aggravate bladder symptoms.

Histamine Blockers

• OTC histamine blockers, such as cimetidine and ranitidine, work to reduce acid in people who suffer from acid-reflux and provide beneficial effects for some people suffering from IC.