Hydroxyzine question?

[hart]

what is the difference between taking hydroxyzine and Claritan or some other allergy medication for bladder pain due to IC? Im confused and do u have to have other allergies as well?

[Sarojini]

No, you don't have to have other allergies, and actually, some people find that Claritin or Benadryl work for their bladder symptoms!

Antihistamines are prescribed in IC because they prevent mast ("allergy") cell degranulation (most antihistamines do this -- and it's important in IC treatment because it has been shown scientifically that IC patients can have increased amounts of these cells in their bladder walls and that the activity of these cells can increase symptoms).

However, hydroxyzine is a special type of antihistamine that also has a calming effect on the nervous system -- it can calm the nerve impulses going to the bladder and reduce symptoms that way in addition to its effect on mast cells. It also promotes relaxation and sleep, which is why many IC patients take it at night -- it can help tremendously with nighttime urination (nocturia). Because of these added effects, urologists often choose to prescribe hydroxyzine instead of other antihistamines.

Hope that helps.