PHENAZOPYRIDINE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pyridium

GENERIC NAME(S): PHENAZOPYRIDINE HCL

Description: Phenazopyridine is a pain reliever that exerts an analgesic effect in the urinary tract.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Absorbed from the GI tract (oral).

Excretion: Via urine (65% as unchanged drug; 18% as paracetamol).

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 frequently. 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 phenazopyridine:

Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times daily after meals 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.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Warnings

Pregnancy Risk: Category B (No proven risk to humans)

Side effects

Headache, dizziness, or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she 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 immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

yellowing skin/eyes,
dark/bloody urine,
change in the amount of urine,
stomach/abdominal pain,
vomiting,
fever,
chills,
easy bruising/bleeding,
unusual tiredness,
shortness of breath,
fast heartbeat,

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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.

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.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, blood disorders (e.g., G6PD deficiency, hemolytic anemia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

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.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for change in amount of urine or yellowing skin/eyes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions:

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Phenazopyridine can interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine tests for kidney function, bilirubin, and sugar levels), possibly causing false test results. Home urine tests (including diabetic tests) may be affected. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Brands:

Also marketed as:

Azomir [ sanofi-aventis ]