Created: January 1998
Revised: Sept. 1999
Revision: August 2001
by: Diane Manhattan
If the ICN has helped you
and/or given you comfort
during those difficult nights,
we hope that you will become
a subscriber.
Histamine is one of the substances that are released by mast cells and can cause pain & vasodilation. By blocking histamine release symptoms of IC can be reduced. However, mast cells are not found in bladders of all IC patients.
Oral Medications - Antihistamines
Antihistamines have the ability to reduce secretion of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that could trigger mast cells or damage the bladder directly. Antihistamines also have anticholinergic properties, which help reduce frequency of urination. The sedative properties reduce nocturia.
Hydroxyzine Hcl
Brand Name: Atarax
Manufacturer(s): Allegiance/Allscrips,
Pfizer/Roering J.B. Division
Clinical Pharmacology:
Blocks histamine release of mast cells, stopping the "histamine-mast cell-inflammation." Counteracts postulated histamine mediated pain of bladder spasms.
Possible Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, stomach upset
Related Research & Web Sites
Hydroxyzine-ICN Research Library
Medscape Drug Monograph
Availability in Other Countries:
Country Drug Name Manufacturer
Austria Atarax UCB
Argentina Atarax UCB
Australia Atarax Pfizer
Belgium Atarax UCB
Canada Atarax Pfizer
Denmark Atarax UCB(Nordisk Droge)
France Atarax UCB
Germany Atarax UCB/Rodleben/Vedim
Italy Atarax UCB
Ireland Atarax Pfizer
Netherlands Atarax UCB
Norway Atarax UCB
So. Africa Atarax UCB
Spain Atarax UCB
Sweden Atarax UCB
Switzerland Atarax UCB
United Kingdom Atarax Pfizer
Return to top
Hydroxyzine Pamoate
Brand Name:
Vistaril
170mg Hydroxyzine Pamoate is equivalent to 100mg of Hydroxyzine HCL
Manufacturer(s): Allscrips, Pfizer Laboratories
Clinical Pharmacology: same as above
Possible Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, stomach upset
Medscape Drug Monograph
Availability In Other Countries:
No reference available