Created: January 1998
Revised: 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.
Misc. Medications used for symptoms associated with IC
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- Tolterodine Tarte (Detrol)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Nifedipine (Procardia)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Doxazosin (Cardura)
- Tamsulosin (Flomax)
- Terazosine HCL (Hytrin)
- Baclofen (Lioresal)
- L-Arginine
- Prelief
- Polycitra-K & Bicitra (Tricitrates)
- Cromolyn Sodium/Sodium Cromoglycate Oral & Intravesical (Gastrocrom)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Rofecoxib (Vioxx)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin (Nutraceuticals)
- Resiniferatoxin
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin (Nutraceuticals)
Cylobenzaprine
Brand Name:: FlexerilManufacturer(s): Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Allscrips Allegiance, Mylan, Schein, Geneva/Ares-Serono
Clinical Pharmacology: "Since cyclobenzaprine is so closely similar to amitriptyline in chemical structure, some of its effects are similar to the tricyclic antidepressants, including anticholinergic activity, potentiation of norepinephrine, and antagonism of reserpine. Cyclobenzaprine relieves muscle spasms through a central action, possibly at the brain stem level, with no direct action on the neuromuscular junction or the muscle involved. Treatment with the drug reduces pain and tenderness, and improves mobility."
Possible Side Effects:Dry mouth, Drowsiness, Dizziness
Related Web Sites: Patient Monograph
Availability in Other Countries:
| Country | Drug Name | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Flexeril | Merck Frosst |
| Italy | Flexiban | Neopharmed s.p.a. Via Giovanni Fabbroni 6 00191 Rome, Italy |
| Spain | Yurelax | ICN |
Tolterodine
Brand Name: DetrolManufacturers:: Phamacia Upjohn
Clinical Pharmacology: Blocks the muscle contractions that cause frequency.
Possible side effects: dry mouth, headache, constipation, and abdominal pain
Related Research & Web Sites: Patient Drug Information
Availability in other Countries:
| Country | Drug Name | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | Detrusitol | Phamacia Upjohn |
| United Kingdom | Detrusitol | Phamacia Upjohn |
Gabapentin
Brand Name: NeurontinManufacturer(s): Park Davis Co.
Clinical Pharmacology: "Neurogenic pain is often insensitive to opioid analgesics. There have been anecdotal reports of the successful use of gabapentin in the treatment of patients with intractable neurogenic pain, including central pain and postherpectic neuralgia."
Reference: Martindale Thirty-second edition-The Complete Drug Reference (April 1999): Phamaceutical Press; page #347
Related Web Sites: Medscape Drug Monograph
Possible Side Effects: Dizziness, somnolence
Availability in Other Countries:
| Country | Drug Name | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| Australia | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| Canada | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| France | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| Germany | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| Ireland | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| Italy | Aclonium | Smith Kline & Beecham |
| IT | Neurontin | Warner-Lambert |
| Norway | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| So. Africa | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| Spain | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| Sweden | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| Switzerland | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
| United Kingdom | Neurontin | Parke Davis |
Nifedipine
Brand Name: ProcardiaManufacturer(s):Pfizer
Brand Name: Adalat
Manufacturer(s): Bayer, Faulding/Purepac
Clinical Pharmacology: Anti-hypertension agent which inhibits the spastic contraction of smooth muscle, through calcium blocking effects. Calcium-channel blocking agent.
Related Web Sites: Medscape Drug Monograph
Possible Side Effects: Dizziness, lightheadedness, bloating, nausea
Availability in Other Countries Please note: This drug is available in numerous generic names through out the world. I have included the most common name brand, Adalat. For more information of other generic names available, please contact your medical care provider or you local pharmacy
| Country | Drug Name | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
|
Austria Australia Belgium Canada France Germany Ireland Italy Netherlands Norway So. Africa Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom |
|
|
Cimetidine
Brand Name: TagametManufacturer(s): Smith Kline & Beecham
Clinical Pharmacology: A histamine H2-receptor antagonist. Accordingly, it inhibits gastric acid secretion.
Possible Side Effects: Most common side effect: headaches
Related Research & Web Sites:
Cimetidine in the treatment of interstitial cystitis.
Medscape Drug Monograph
Availability in Other Countries: Please note: This drug is available in numerous generic names throughout the world. I have included the most common name brand, Tagamet. For more information of other generic names available, please contact your medical care provider or you local pharmacy.
| Country | Drug Name | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | |
Smith Kline & Beecham |
| Australia Belguim Canada France Germany Ireland Italy Netherlands So. Africa Spain Switzerland United Kingdom |
|
Smith Kline & Beecham |
Doxazosin Mesylate
Brand Name: Cardura
Manufacturer(s): Roerig/Pfizer
Clinical Pharmacology: Helps maintain bladder contractility and
urine flow
Related Web Sites: Drug
Monograph
Possible Side Effects: Drop in blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, swellinf
of feet
Availability in Other Countries:
| Austria | Prostadilat | Roerig/Pfizer |
| Australia | Carduran | Roerig/Pfizer |
| Canada | Cardura | Astra |
| Germany | Cardular | Roerig/Pfizer |
| Ireland | Cardura | Invicta /Pfizer |
| Italy | Cardura | Roerig/Pfizer |
| Netherlands | Cardura | Roerig/Pfizer |
| Norway | Carduran | Roerig/Pfizer |
| So. Africa | Cardura | Roerig/Pfizer |
| Spain | Carduran | Roerig/Pfizer |
| Sweden | Alfadil | Roerig/Pfizer |
| Norway | Carduran | Roerig/Pfizer |
| United Kingdom | Cardura | Roerig/Pfizer |
Tamsulosin
Brand Name: Flomax
Manufacturer(s): Boehringer
Ingelheim
Possible Side Effects: Rhinitis, Back Pain, Dizziness, Asthenia,
Headache, Diarrhea
Clinical Pharmacology:
Alpha Blocker: FDA Approved for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.
It interfers with the nerve impulses of the urethra and the bladder neck,
which helps with the symptoms of hesitancy, intermittency, force of urine
stream, sensation of complete emptying and daytime frequency and nocturia.
Related Web Sites: Drug
Monograph
Avaialabily in Other Countries
| Country | Drug Name | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Flomax | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| France | Omix | Yamanouchi |
| Germany | Omnic | Yamanouchi |
| Ireland | Omnic | Yamanouchi |
| Italy | Omnic | Yamanouchi |
| Japan | Harnal | Yamanouchi |
| Netherlands | Omnic | Yamanouchi |
| United Kingdom | Flomax | Yamanouchi |
Terazosine HCL
Brand Name:
Hytrin
Manufacturer(s): Abbott, SmithKline Beecham/Glaxo
Wellcome
Possible Side Effects: Lowers blood pressure. Dizziness, Headache
Clinical Pharmacology: Alpha Blocker: FDA Approved for symptomatic
benign prostatic hyperplasia. It interfers with the nerve impulses of
the urethra and the bladder neck, which helps with the symptoms of hesitancy,
intermittency, force of urine stream, sensation of complete emptying and
daytime frequency and nocturia
Related Web Sites:
Medscape Drug Monograph
Availability in Other Countries
| Country | Drug Name | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Uroflow | Abbott |
| Australia | Hytrin | Abbott |
| Belgium | Hytrin | Abbott |
| Canada | Hytrin | Abbott |
| Germany | Flotrin | Abbott |
| Ireland | Hytrin | Abbott |
| Italy | Urodie | Abbott |
| Netherlands | Hytrin | Abbott |
| So. Africa | Hytrin | Abbott |
| Spain | Deflox | Abbott |
| Sweden | Sinalfa | Abbott |
| Sweden | Hytrinex | Astra |
| United Kingdom | Hytrin | Abbott |
Baclofen
Brand Name:Lioresal(r)
Manufacturer(s):
Novartis (Ciba/Geigy)
Possible Side Effects:
Drowsiness, trouble sleeping, dizziness, extreme tiredness, nausea constipation, headache
Clinical Pharmacology
Muscle relaxer. Relieves spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles
Related Research & Web Sites: Drug Monograph
Availabilty in Other Countries:
| Country | Drug Name | Manufacturer | Austria | Lioresal | Novartis (Ciba/Geigy) |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Lioresal | Novartis |
| Belgium | Lioresal | Novartis (Ciba/Geigy) |
| Canada | Lioresal | Novartis (Ciba/Geigy) |
| France | Lioresal | Novartis (Ciba/Geigy) |
| Germany | Lioresal | Novartis |
| Ireland | Lioresal | Novartis |
| Italy | Lioresal | Novartis |
| Netherlands | Lioresal | Novartis |
| Norway | Lioresal | Novartis |
| So. Africa | Lioresal | Novartis |
| Spain | Lioresal | Novartis |
| Sweden | Lioresal | Novartis |
| Switzerland | Lioresal | Novartis |
| United Kingdom | Lioresal | Novartis |
Prelief
Manufacturer(s):
AkPharma
Clinical Pharmacology: Prelief is an OTC dietary aide which helps
in neutralizing acidy foods
Related Research & Web Sites:
IC Studies/Prelief
Monograph/Information
Availability in Other Countries: please see above link for ordering
information outside of USA.
Polycitra-K & Bicitra (Tricitrates)
(1) Name Brand: Polycitra-K (Citric Acid/Potassium Citrate)
Posible Side Effects:
Vomiting, Gas, Diarrhea, Stomach Pain, Discomfort
Clinical Pharmacology
Systemic Alkalizer Toxicity, Urinary Alkalizer
Availabiliy in Other Countries: please check with your medical care provider and/or pharmacist.
(2) Name Brand: BICITRA(r) (Sodium Citrate Dihydrate and Citric
Acid)
Related Research & Web Sites: Alza Patient Monograph
Clinical Pharmacology:
Systemic Alkalization/neutralizing buffer
Availabiliy in Other Countries: please check with your medical care provider and/or pharmacist.
L-Arginine
L-Arginine is a amino acid, which increases nitric oxide related enzymes and metabolites in urine of patients with interstitial cystitis, which is associated with a decrease in interstitial cystitis symptoms.
Related Research & Web Sites:
ICN Research Library: L-Arginine Studies
A randomized double-blind trial of oral L-arginine for treatment of interstitial
cystitis.
Effects of L-arginine treatment on symptoms and bladder nitric oxide levels
in patients with interstitial cystitis
Effect of long-term oral L-arginine on the nitric oxide synthase pathway
in the urine from patients with interstitial cystitis.
Improvements in interstitial cystitis symptoms scored during the treatment
with oral L-arginine.
The effect of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine on bladder function.
Cromolyn Sodium-Oral & Intravesical (Sodium Cromoglycate)
(No studies have been performed to determine the efficacy of this treatment for oral use in treating IC)
Brand Name: Gastrocrom
Manufacturer: Celltech Medeva Pharmaceuticals
755 Jefferson Road,
Rochester, NY 14623
Clinical Pharmacology: "for prevention of allergic reaction, it is believed to act primarily by preventing release of mediation of inflammation from sensitized mast cells through stabilization of mast cell membranes."
Possible side effects:
Diarrehea, headache
Related Research & Web Sites:
Medscape - Cromolyn Sodium
[The role of allergy in interstitial cystitis].
Pelikan Z, et al. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 1999 Jun 19;143(25):1289-92. Dutch.
Availability in other countries: Cromolyn Sodium is available worldwide. Please contact your local pharmacy for availability. This drug is available in the following forms: Aerosol inhaler, Solution for oral inhalation (used for Intravesical Instillations for IC) , Oral tablets/capsules and Ophthalmic solution.
Carbamazepine
Brand Name: TegretolManufacturers:: Novartis
Clinical Pharmacology: Neurogenic pain is often insensitive to opioid analgesics. Tegretol has ben used for patients with intractable neurogenic pain, including central pain and postherpectic neuralgia.
Possible side effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, ataxia
Drug Monograph: Medscape - Tegretol
Availability in Other Countries:
Chondroitin also is one of the products necessary for the forming of glycosaminoglycans, but more importantly it plays an important role in combating and reducing the destructive enzymes which cause chemical changes in other substances such as glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans.
At this time the ICN can not support the treatment of Resiniferation until further research studies have been completed due the severity of the side effects that have been recorded in preliminary studies.
Manufacturer: Afferon Corporation
Country Drug Name Manufacturer
Australia Tegretol Novartis
Austria Tegretol Novaritis
Belgium Tegretol Novartis (Ciba-Geigy)
Canada Tegretol Novartis (Geigy)
France Tegretol Novartis (Ciba-Geigy)
Germany Tegretal Novartis (Geigy)
Ireland Tegretol Novartis (Geigy)
Italy Tegretol Novartis (Ciba)
Netherlands Tegretol Novartis
Norway Tegretol Novartis (Geigy)
South Africa Tegretol Novartis
Spain Tegretol Novartis (Geigy)
Sweden Tegretol Novartis
Switzerland Tegretol Novartis
United Kingdom Tegretol Novartis (Geigy)
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Rofecoxib
Brand Name: Vioxx
Manufacturers:: Merck & Company
Clinical Pharmacology:Non steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic. NSAID, a selective inhibitor of Cox2. (Decreases prostaglandins).
Possible side effects: Please see Vioxx Patient Information - Side Effects
Related Research & Web Sites: Vioxx Patient Information (Merck)
Availability in other Countries: Please contact your local pharmacy or visit Merck International
Celecoxib
Brand Name: Celebrex
Manufacturers:: Pharmacia
Clinical Pharmacology: Serotonin reuptake inhibitor. In low doses is effective in relieving chronic pain
by interfering with nerve activities.
Possible side effects: Headache, indigestion, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, sinus inflammation, stomach pain, and nausea.
Related Research & Web Sites: Celebrex FAQ
Availability in other Countries: Please contact your local pharmacy or visit Pharmacia Worldwide
Glucosamine & Chondroitin (Nutraceuticals)
Reported Uses: Rheumatoid Arthritis & Inflammatory Conditions
Pharmacology: In vitro, glucosamine stimulates cartilage cells to synthesize glycosaminoglycans--GAG's (mucopolysaccharides) and proteoglycans and also has anti-inflammatory properties. "The principal known GAG's are hyaluronic acid, keratan sulfate, heparin and heparin sulfate, dermata sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate. Proteoglycans, large molecules built from GAG's are most abundant in connective tissues such as cartilage, skin, blood vessel walls, sclera, cornea, intervertebral discs and tendons, as well as synovial fluid and the vitreous body."
Related Research & Web Sites:
Vascular heparan sulfates may limit the ability of leukocytes to penetrate the endothelial barrier--implications for use of
glucosamine in inflammatory disorders. McCarty MF; Med Hypotheses 1998 Jul;51(1):11-5
Glucosamine may retard atherogenesis by promoting endothelial production of heparan sulfate proteoglycans. McCarty MF; Med Hypotheses (1997 Mar Mar) 48(3):245-51
Characterization of the Heparin-Binding Properties of IL-6. Mummery RS, Rider CC; J Immunol 2000 Nov 15;165(10):5671-5679
Recent advances in the study of the biosynthesis and functions of sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Sugahara K, Kitagawa H; Curr Opin Struct Biol 2000 Oct;10(5):518-27
An investigation of the nature of bladder mucosal glycoconjugates and their role in interstitial cystitis. Bhavanandan VP, Erickson DR; Indian J Biochem Biophys 1997 Feb-Apr;34(1-2):205-11
A deficit of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans on the bladder uroepithelium in interstitial cystitis. Hurst RE, Roy JB, Min KW, Veltri RW, Marley G, Patton K, Shackelford DL, Stein P,
Parsons CL; Urology 1996 Nov;48(5):817-21
Identification of proteoglycans present at high density on bovine and
human bladder luminal surface. Hurst RE, Zebrowski R; J Urol 1994 Nov;152(5 Pt 1):1641-
Availability In USA And Other Countries: Please visit your local pharmacy or Health Food Store.Resiniferatoxin
Brand Name: RTX™
Pharmacology:
"Investigational agent for the treatment of urge incontinence. RTX is one of a family of compounds called vanilloids that act by desensitizing overactive sensory neurons thereby inhibiting the transmission of messages from peripheral sensory neurons to the central nervous system. Clinical trials involve the use of RTX to treat symptoms of overactive bladder in neurogenic patients, those with neurological disease such as spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis, as well as nonneurogenic patients. Developed by Afferon Corporation. Source: PR Newswire - 01/26/98; 01/19/00"
Possible side effects: Awaiting Research Studies - Possible Nerve Damage
Related Research & Web Sites:
Vanilloids, Capsaicin and RTX™
Afferon Corporation Advances U.S. Clinical Trial Program for Lead Product to Treat Urge Incontinence
Afferon to Extend European Phase II Clinical Trials of RTX™ With Approvals in UK and France
Intravesical treatment of overactive bladder. Fowler CJ;
Urology 2000 May;55(5A Suppl):60-4; discussion 66
Intravesical neuromodulatory drugs: capsaicin and resiniferatoxin to treat the overactive bladder.
Kim DY, Chancellor MB; J Endourol 2000 Feb;14(1):97-103
Availability in other Countries:Please check with your medical care provider or local pharmacy for availability.