PHENAZOPYRIDINE (fen az oh PEER i deen) is a pain reliever. It is used to stop the pain, burning, or discomfort caused by infection or irritation of the urinary tract. This medicine is not an antibiotic. It will not cure a urinary tract infection.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
kidney 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 medication?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take after meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Interactions are not expected.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
blue or purple color of the skin
difficulty breathing
fever
less urine
unusual bleeding, bruising
unusual tired, weak
vomiting
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
dark urine
headache
stomach upset
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
This medicine colors body fluids red. This effect is harmless and will go away after you are done taking the medicine. It will change urine to an dark orange or red color. The red color may stain clothing. Soft contact lenses may become permanently stained. It is best not to wear soft contact lenses while taking this medicine.
If you are diabetic you may get a false positive result for sugar in your urine. Talk to your health care provider.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.