heparin + gentamicin + hydrocortisone + lidocaine + sodium bicarbonate

This investigational intravesical cocktail therapy, developed by the Nova Scotia Health Authority, is a multi-component combination treatment for painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis. The formulation consists of five active ingredients: heparin, gentamicin, hydrocortisone, lidocaine, and sodium bicarbonate. Heparin is included to restore the bladder's protective glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer and provide anti-inflammatory effects; lidocaine acts as a local anesthetic to provide immediate pain relief; hydrocortisone serves as a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory agent; gentamicin provides antibiotic coverage; and sodium bicarbonate alkalinizes the solution to enhance the penetration and efficacy of the other components, particularly lidocaine. The therapy is administered directly into the bladder via catheter and has been evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials comparing its efficacy and tolerability to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the only FDA-approved intravesical treatment for interstitial cystitis.

Other names

IC CocktailIntravesical CocktailNova Scotia Health Authority IC Cocktail