How do antihistamines work for IC?

[arcticfox]

I see that by the message board that one of the treatments for IC is antihistamines. Can anyone tell me how this works for people with IC? Or how it works for you?

Arcticfox

[dyno]

Hi,
I took this passage out of the Handbook. Hope this helps.

Antihistamines: ATARAX & VISTARIL
Mast cells are one of the body's first lines of defense against substances and invading organisms. Skin, nasal passages, and the gastrointestinal tract are all inhabited by mast cells. When you have a cold or suffer from fever, mast cells react to pollen or a virus by producing histamine and other substances. This leads to pain, inflammation and swelling.
Biopsies of some interstitial cystitis bladders, particularly ulcerative IC, have been found to have unusual numbers of mast cells. There is also speculation that mast cells in IC bladders do not function normally. In any case, antihistamine treatment in IC is aimed at stopping the "histamine-mast cell-inflammation" cycle in the bladder.

Atarax® and Vistaril® (generic name: Hydroxyzine HCL or Pomoate) are believed to block the activation of mast cells (12). Hydroxyzine has been shown in scientific studies to be very effective for IC patients, particularly patients with a history of allergies. Often used in conjunction with Elmiron, Hydroxyzine is now one of the most important therapies for IC patients.

The most common complaint of patients taking these drugs is that they cause drowsiness, dry mouth or irritability. Some people find that their drowsiness decreases in a few days. Hydroxyzine pomoate may be better tolerated than hydroxyzine HCL in some patients.

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