phenazopyridine (Pyridium) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

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

Phenazopyridine is an oral urinary analgesic (pain
relieving 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:

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.

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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.