What is the most important information I should know about phenazopyridine?
You should not use phenazopyridine if you have kidney disease.
What is phenazopyridine?
Phenazopyridine is a pain reliever that affects the lower part of your urinary tract (bladder and urethra).
Phenazopyridine is used to treat urinary symptoms such as pain or burning, increased urination, and increased urge to urinate. These symptoms can be caused by infection, injury, surgery, catheter, or other conditions that irritate the bladder.
Phenazopyridine will treat urinary symptoms, but this medication will not treat a urinary tract infection.. Take any antibiotic that your doctor prescribes to treat an infection.
Phenazopyridine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking phenazopyridine?
You should not use phenazopyridine if you are allergic to it, or if you have kidney disease.
To make sure phenazopyridine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease;
- diabetes; or
- a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
FDA pregnancy category B. Phenazopyridine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether phenazopyridine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take phenazopyridine?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take phenazopyridine after meals.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking phenazopyridine.
Phenazopyridine will most likely darken the color of your urine to an orange or red color. This is a normal effect and is not harmful. Darkened urine may also cause stains to your underwear that may be permanent.
Phenazopyridine can also permanently stain soft contact lenses, and you should not wear them while taking this medicine.
Do not use phenazopyridine for longer than 2 days unless your doctor has told you to.
This medication can cause unusual results with urine tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using phenazopyridine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking phenazopyridine?
Do not use this medication while wearing soft contact lenses. Phenazopyridine can permanently discolor soft contact lenses.
What are the possible side effects of phenazopyridine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using phenazopyridine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- little or no urinating;
- swelling, rapid weight gain;
- confusion, loss of appetite, pain in your side or lower back;
- fever, pale or yellowed skin, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting; or
- blue or purple appearance of your skin.
Common side effects may include:
- headache;
- dizziness; or
- upset stomach.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect phenazopyridine?
Other drugs may interact with phenazopyridine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about phenazopyridine.
