Pyridiate (Oral)

Phenazopyridine is used to ease the pain, burning, and discomfort caused by infection or irritation of the urinary tract. It is not an antibiotic and will not treat the infection itself.

In the U.S., phenazopyridine can be obtained without a prescription.

Check with your doctor if you experience symptoms like bloody urine, painful or difficult urination, a frequent urge to urinate, or a sudden drop in the amount of urine while taking this medicine.

Phenazopyridine will make your urine turn reddish orange. This is normal while you are using it. This change is harmless and will go away after you stop taking the medicine. Also, the medicine may stain your clothes.

For patients who wear soft contact lenses:

• It is best not to wear soft contact lenses while being treated with this medicine. Phenazopyridine may discolor or stain contact lenses, and it may not be possible to remove the stain.

For diabetic patients:

• This medicine may cause false results in urine sugar tests and urine ketone tests. If you have questions about this, consult your health care professional, especially if your diabetes is not well controlled.

Before you undergo any medical tests, inform the person conducting the tests that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be influenced by this medicine.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks and benefits. Here are some important things to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of phenazopyridine in children to its use in other age groups, but it is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work in the same way as they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of phenazopyridine in the elderly to its use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in older adults than it does in younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken at or around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or
• Hepatitis or
• Kidney disease—The risk of side effects may be increased.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine can also cause some unwanted effects. While not everyone will experience these side effects, if they do happen, they may require medical attention.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following side effects:

Rare

• Blue or blue-purple color of skin
• Fever and confusion
• Shortness of breath, tightness in chest, wheezing, or trouble breathing
• Skin rash
• Sudden decrease in the amount of urine
• Swelling of face, fingers, feet, and/or lower legs
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Weight gain
• Yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may happen that usually do not require medical attention. These side effects might go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also have suggestions on how to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Talk to your health care professional if any of the following side effects persist, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Less common or rare

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Itching of the skin
• Stomach cramps or pain

Other side effects not mentioned may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Azo-Gesic
• Azo-Septic
• Azo-Standard
• Baridium
• Phenazo 95
• Prodium
• Pyridiate
• Pyridium
• RE-Azo
• Urinary Pain Relief
• Uristat
• UTI Relief

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Analgesic

This medicine is best taken with food or after eating a meal or a snack to lessen stomach upset.

Do not use any leftover medicine for future urinary tract problems without first checking with your doctor. An infection may require additional medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets): For relieving pain, burning, and discomfort in the urinary tract: Adults and teenagers—200 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Children—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 4 mg per kilogram (kg) (about 1.8 mg per pound) of body weight three times a day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

• Why do you not take phenazopyridine for more than two days?