[Guest]

I recently diagnosed Interstitial Cystitis told it likely related to large amount of Sudafed I've taken over years to treat severe sinus allergy problems. Treatment advised IC includes staying off Sudafed (in addition to taking Pyridium, seems to be helping). My question is.... do I have to substitute serious allergies constant bladder pain? How direct is relationship between Sudafed & IC? Also, I've read in several sites use of antihistamines can be effective in treating IC; can give me some more specific inmation on ? Thank .

[Guest]

Sudafed being causal to IC is news to me. Please get a reference for that relationship, and perhaps I will be able to give you some advice. Meanwhile, if antihistamines help, I would use them as needed.

[Guest]

Sudafed can aggravate your IC symptoms because it is a decongestant. People with IC and allergies can take hydroxyzine at night and Claritin or Zyrtec during the day. ANy decongestant can aggravate your IC symptoms but I dont think that it can be a cause of IC.