phenazopyridine (Pyridium) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage (original) (raw)

• What is phenazopyridine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
• What brand names are available for phenazopyridine-oral?
• Is phenazopyridine-oral available as a generic drug?
• Do I need a prescription for phenazopyridine-oral?
• What are the uses for phenazopyridine-oral?
• What are the side effects of phenazopyridine-oral?
• What is the dosage for phenazopyridine-oral?
• Which drugs or supplements interact with phenazopyridine-oral?
• Is phenazopyridine-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
• What else should I know about phenazopyridine-oral?

What is phenazopyridine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Phenazopyridine is an oral urinary analgesic (painrelieving medication). It is available over-the-counter (without a prescription or OTC) in lower strengths, and with a prescription for higher strengths. It is used commonly to treat symptoms of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other symptoms associated with lower urinary tract infections(UTIs).

Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, phenazopyridine is thought to provide relief of symptoms of UTIs by acting as a local anesthetic on the lining of the urinary tract. Phenazopyridine is excreted in the urine and may cause urine to change to an orange or red color. Phenazopyridine does not have any antibacterial action and should not be used to treat UTIs. It is only used to provide relief of symptoms associated with UTIs.

What brand names are available for phenazopyridine-oral?

Baridium, Pyridium, Urinary Pain Relief

Is phenazopyridine-oral available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for phenazopyridine-oral?

Yes, and in OTC preparations

What are the uses for phenazopyridine-oral?

Phenazopyridine is used to provide relief of symptoms associated with lower urinary tract infections including urinary burning, pain, urgency, and frequency among others.

What are the side effects of phenazopyridine-oral?

Common side effects of phenazopyridine treatment affecting up to 10 percent of patients are:

• headache,
• dizziness, and
• stomach cramps.

Rare but serious side effects associated with phenazopyridine (occurring in <1%) include:

• acute kidney failure,
• hemolytic anemia,
• hepatitis (liver injury), and
• methemoglobinemia.

QUESTION How much urine does the average adult pass each day? See Answer

What is the dosage for phenazopyridine-oral?

The usual recommended adult dose of phenazopyridine is 100 to 200 mg three times daily after meals. Treatment should not exceed 2 days when used in-combination with an antibacterial agent. The maximum daily dose for adults is 600 mg.

Dose adjustment may be required for patients who have kidney disease. Phenazopyridine should not be used in patients whose creatinine clearance is less than 50 ml/min. Phenazopyridine should be administered every 8-16 hours in patients whose creatinine clearance is between 50-80 ml/min.

The usual recommended dose for children and adolescents is 4 mg/kg orally three times daily after meals. The child's pediatric doctor should calculate the dose. Treatment should not exceed 2 days when used in-combination with an antibacterial agent.

Which drugs or supplements interact with phenazopyridine-oral?

: No clinical significant drug interactions have been reported with phenazopyridine use.

Health News

Is phenazopyridine-oral safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

: Phenazopyridine is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category B (animal studies show no harm to fetuses but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women). Reproduction studies in rats at doses up to 50 mg/kg//day have shown no evidence of fetal harm. However, as with all drugs, phenazopyridine should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed.

It is not known if phenazopyridine is excreted in breast milk.

What else should I know about phenazopyridine-oral?

What preparations of phenazopyridine-oral are available?

• OTC Oral tablets: 95 mg and 97.5 mg
• Prescription oral tablets: 100 mg, 200 mg

How should I keep phenazopyridine-oral stored?

Tablets should be stored at room temperature between 15 C and 30 C (59 F to 86 F). Keep phenazopyridine and all medications away from pets and children.

Summary

Phenazopyridine (Baridium, Pyridium, Urinary Pain Relief) is an OTC and prescription medication used to relieve symptoms associated with urinary tract infections. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.

Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms, Diagnosis, Medication Bladder infections can be painful and often require medical treatment. Get the latest information on urinary tract infections...
• Bladder Infections: UTI Causes, Symptoms, Treatments Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) can happen to anyone. Learn about symptoms, causes and home remedy treatments for bladder and...
• Urinary Tract Infection Quiz How would you know if you had urinary tract infection (UTI)? Take the Urinary Tract Infection in Adult Quiz to learn the causes,...

Related Disease Conditions

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI symptoms include pain, abdominal pain, mild fever, urinary urgency, and frequency. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.
• Bladder Infection (Cystitis) Bladder infection is an infection of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria or, rarely, by Candida. Certain people, including females, the elderly, men with enlarged prostates, and those with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for bladder infection. Bladder infections are treated with antibiotics, but cranberry products and adequate hydration may help prevent bladder infections.
• Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) Interstitial cystitis (IC)/painful bladder syndrome (PBS) is an inflammatory disease of the bladder that can cause ulceration and bleeding of the bladder's lining and can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis may vary among individuals and may even vary with time in the same individual.
• Urinary Tract Infections in Children Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common in children. Symptoms and signs include fever and abdominal pain. Associated symptoms and signs include flank pain, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Treatment for a UTI involves antibiotic therapy.

Treatment & Diagnosis

Medications & Supplements

Subscribe to MedicineNet's Women's Health Newsletter

By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information.