This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Pyridium Consumer Information
PYRIDIUM
Generic Name: phenazopyridine (fe nah zo PIE rih deen)
Brand Names: Azo-Gesic, Azo-Standard, Baridium, Eridium, Phenazo, Prodium, Pyridiate, Pyridium, Re-Azo, Urinary Analgesic, Urodol, Urogesic, Viridium
What is the most important information I should know about phenazopyridine?
- Do not use phenazopyridine for longer than 2 days unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
- Phenazopyridine may cause a harmless, orange-red coloring of the urine and other body fluids. Staining of contact lenses and clothing that comes in contact with body fluids may occur.
What is phenazopyridine?
- Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic (pain reliever).
- Phenazopyridine is used to relieve symptoms of pain, burning, urinary urgency, and urinary frequency associated with urinary tract infections, trauma, surgery, catheter placement, or other painful conditions.
- Phenazopyridine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking phenazopyridine?
- Do not take phenazopyridine without first talking to your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to take phenazopyridine or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have kidney disease.
- Phenazopyridine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take phenazopyridine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether phenazopyridine passes into breast milk. Do not take phenazopyridine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take phenazopyridine?
- Take phenazopyridine exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Phenazopyridine is usually taken three times a day after meals. Follow the directions given by your doctor or on the package.
- Do not use phenazopyridine for longer than 2 days unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
- Store phenazopyridine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of an overdose of phenazopyridine may include headache, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, bluish skin color, loss of consciousness, and death.
What should I avoid while taking phenazopyridine?
- Phenazopyridine may cause a harmless, orange-red coloring of the urine and other body fluids. Staining of contact lenses and clothing that comes in contact with body fluids may occur.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.