Intravesical Capsaicin as a Therapeutic Option for Bladder Sensory Disorders

Intravesical capsaicin has been used as a treatment for detrusor overactivity and bladder pain syndromes due to its desensitizing effect on C-fiber afferents. However, patient responses vary widely in both efficacy and tolerability. As a therapeutic option, intravesical capsaicin has largely been replaced by botulinum toxin. However, the drug may still be considered in select cases of refractory disease or within the context of research protocols.