Alkalinized lidocaine and heparin provide immediate relief of pain and urgency in
patients with interstitial cystitis.
Author(s): Parsons CL, Zupkas P, Proctor J, Koziol J, Franklin A, Giesing D, Davis E, Lakin
CM, Kahn BS, Garner WJ.
Affiliation(s): Division of Urology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92103,
USA. cparsons@ucsd.edu
Publication date & source: 2012, J Sex Med. , 9(1):207-12
INTRODUCTION: It has been reported in an open-label study that the combination of
alkalinized lidocaine and heparin can immediately relieve the symptoms of urinary
urgency, frequency, and pain associated with interstitial cystitis (IC). This
combination has also been reported to relieve pain associated with sex in
patients with IC.
AIM: The aim of this study was to corroborate these findings in a multicenter
setting.
METHODS: The study design was a multicenter prospective, double-blind, crossover,
placebo-controlled trial. Each participant met all of the clinical National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases criteria (excluding
cystoscopy) for IC. Each patient received drug and control, in random order,
within 48 hours of enrolling in the study.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was percent change in pain
score (11-point analog pain scale) 12 hours after receiving the drug or control.
Secondary measures were the global assessment response (GAR) of symptoms and
12-hour average urgency reduction determined from 11-point urgency scales.
RESULTS: Eighteen (18) patients completed the trial. The average reduction of
pain over 12 hours was 21% for control and 42% for active drug (P = 0.0363). GAR
was 13% for control and 50% for drug (P = 0.0137). Average urgency reduction was
13% for control and 35% for drug (P = 0.0328).
CONCLUSIONS: The combination of alkalinized lidocaine and heparin provides up to
12 hours of relief from urgency and pain associated with IC. This combination
provides significant immediate relief of symptoms for patients with IC.
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