Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablets
- 95mg
- 97.2mg
- 100mg
- 200mg
Dysuria, Irritation of Lower Urinary Tract Mucosa
100-200 mg PO after meals three times daily
Dosing considerations
- When used concomitantly with antibiotic for UTI, do not use for longer than 2 days
- Limit dosing in geriatric population due to decreased renal function
Administration
Give after food/meals to minimize GI side effects
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablets
- 95mg
- 97.2mg
- 100mg
- 200mg
Dysuria, Irritation of Lower Urinary Tract Mucosa
<6 years: Safety and efficacy not established
6-12 years: 12 mg/kg/day PO after meals, divided q8hr
>12 years: 100-200 mg PO after meals three times daily
Dosing considerations
- When used concomitantly with antibiotic for UTI, do not use for longer than 2 days
Administration
Give after food/meals to minimize GI side effects
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (0)
Monitor Closely (1)
- prilocaine
phenazopyridine increases toxicity of prilocaine by Other (see comment). Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Comment: Phenazopyridine may significantly increase risk of methemoglobinemia when coadministered with prilocaine. Monitor patients closely.
Minor (0)
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined (Rare)
Headache
Vertigo
Rash
Pruritus
Mild GI disturbances
Methemoglobinemia
Hemolytic anemia
Skin pigmentation
Transient ARF
Renal calculi
Staining of contact lenses
Hepatic/renal toxicity
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Renal impairment (CrCl <50mL/min)
Cautions
Changes urine color; may affect UA based on spectrometry or color reactions
May stain contact lenses
Discontinue if yellowish color of skin or sclera, as this is an indication of drug accumulation due to renal failure; monitor geriatric patients due to greater risk
Self-medication should not continue >2 days; if pain persists, consult physician
Intended as analgesic, not for treatment of UTI
Use caution in patients with G6PD deficiency; hemolytic anemia may occur in the setting of chronic overdose
Not for treatment of urinary inferction; acts only as analgesic
Discontinue over the counter use if symptoms last more than 2 days or adverse effects occur
May stain fiber or clothing
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category: B
Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; exercise caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Azo dye; acts directly on urinary tract mucosa when excreted, to produce local analgesic effect
Metabolism
Metabolized by liver
Elimination
Excretion
- Urine: Eliminated mainly through rapid excretion by kidneys (65% unchanged)
- Feces: Minor amount
Images
BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
---|---|---|---|
Azo Urinary Pain Relief oral - | 95 mg tablet | ![]() | |
Pyridium oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
Pyridium oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
Urinary Pain Relief oral - | 97.5 mg tablet | ![]() | |
Urinary Pain Relief oral - | 95 mg tablet | ![]() | |
Urinary Pain Relief oral - | 95 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() | |
phenazopyridine oral - | 200 mg tablet | ![]() |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
phenazopyridine oral
PHENAZOPYRIDINE - ORAL
(fen-ay-zoe-PIR-i-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pyridium
USES: This medication is used to relieve symptoms caused by irritation of the urinary tract such as pain, burning, and the feeling of needing to urinate urgently or often. This drug does not treat the cause of the urinary irritation, but it can help relieve the symptoms while other treatments take effect. Phenazopyridine is a dye that works as a painkiller to soothe the lining of the urinary tract.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth after meals, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this medication along with antibiotics for symptoms related to a urinary tract infection, or are self-treating, do not take it for more than 2 days without talking to your doctor.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, bloody urine), stomach/abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, chills, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking phenazopyridine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, blood disorders (such as G6PD deficiency, hemolytic anemia).This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Phenazopyridine can dye your urine and tears orange-red. This may stain clothing and contact lenses. Do not wear contact lenses while using this medication. Urine and tears will return to normal color after the medication is stopped.Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine tests for kidney function, bilirubin, and sugar levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual tiredness, skin color changes, change in the amount of urine, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, yellowing skin/eyes, easy bleeding/bruising, or seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not take it later for another pain-related condition of the urinary tract unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised May 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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