Phenazopyridine
Key points
- PHENAZOPYRIDINE (Pyridiatereg;, Pyridiumreg;, Urodolreg;, Urogesicreg;, Viridiumreg;) is used to relieve the pain, burning, or discomfort caused by infection or irritation of the urinary tract.
- You should take phenazopyridine with or following food (or a snack) to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
- Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines.
Phenazopyridine tablets
What is phenazopyridine? PHENAZOPYRIDINE (Pyridiatereg;, Pyridiumreg;, Urodolreg;, Urogesicreg;, Viridiumreg;) is used to relieve the pain, burning, or discomfort caused by infection or irritation of the urinary tract. Phenazopyridine is not an antibiotic and will not cure a urinary tract infection. Generic phenazopyridine tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use phenazopyridine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to phenazopyridine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take phenazopyridine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You should take phenazopyridine with or following food (or a snack) to reduce the chance of stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you are being treated for a urinary tract infection, phenazopyridine should not be taken for more than 2 days. However, make sure you complete the full course of antibiotic therapy as directed by your prescriber or health care professional.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with phenazopyridine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using phenazopyridine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
- blue or blue-purple color of the skin
- fever or confusion
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
