Medicines, applied topically as gels, creams, suppositories and patches, may cause less systemic side effects. Used alone or in combination formulas, sometimes these medicines require the expertise of a compounding pharmacist. Examples of topicals used to treat IC symptoms include:
- Lidocaine patch (Lidoderm): Some patients report success with the patch form of the anesthetic (numbing agent) Lidocaine, which is available by prescription in an adhesive patch.
- Vaginal and rectal diazepam (Valium) suppositories: Vaginal diazepam for women with IC and rectal diazepam for men with IC offer alternatives to oral Valium. Available by prescription through compounding pharmacies, these suppositories relax the muscles in the pelvic floor. The tablet form of Valium inserted into the vagina or rectum seems to work as effectively as the compounded formula.
- Topical amitriptyline (Elavil): Oral amitriptyline is a standard IC therapy. In gel form, applied to the skin, Elavil may offer relieve without the unwanted side effects of the oral medicine.
Posted July 20, 2009