Compounded treatment options for cystitis and other bladder problems

Few large-scale studies are available from which to develop treatment options for chronic bladder problems such as interstitial cystitis and refractory detrusor hyper-reflexia. Thus many urologists must rely on case reports and smaller studies to develop alternative treatment options. Moreover, the etiology and pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis are not understood. One of the few available treatment options is intravesical therapies, which have the benefit of little systemic absorption and, therefore, few side effects. Intravesical solutions must be compounded according to United States Pharmacopeia Chapter 797 sterile compounding guidelines, and the short beyond-use date of such preparations can be problematic. Compounding pharmacists can work with urologists to provide safe, effective treatments that will ultimately improve the patient's quality of life.