Phenazopyridine
About
Phenazopyridine belongs to a group of medicines called analgesics indicated for the relief of pain, burning sensation, urgency/frequency or discomfort due to irritation of the lower urinary tract's mucosal lining caused by infections, surgery, trauma, the passage of catheters or endoscopic procedures.
Phenazopyridine contains ‘Phenazopyridine’ that exerts an analgesic effect on the urinary tract's mucosa by blocking the release of chemical messengers that cause pain, thereby providing relief from pain, burning sensation, frequency, and urgency.
You are advised to take Phenazopyridine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as headache, changes in urine colour, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Stop taking Phenazopyridine and consult your doctor immediately if you observe yellowish colouring of the skin or eye. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Phenazopyridine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Phenazopyridine is not recommended for children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Phenazopyridine as it could lead to increased dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Phenazopyridine
Medicinal Benefits
Phenazopyridine belongs to a group of medicines called analgesics. Phenazopyridine is indicated for the relief of pain, burning sensation, urgency, frequency, or discomfort due to irritation of the lower urinary tract's mucosal lining caused by infections, surgery, trauma, the passage of catheters, or endoscopic procedures. Phenazopyridine is excreted in the urine, where it exerts an analgesic effect on the mucosa of the urinary tract by blocking the release of chemical messengers that cause pain, thereby provides relief from pain, burning sensation, frequency, and urgency.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Phenazopyridine
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Changes in urine colour
- Upset stomach
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Phenazopyridine if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have renal insufficiency, severe liver problems, and G-6-PD deficiency. Inform your doctor if you have gastrointestinal disturbances, heart problems, neuromuscular problems, diabetes, and hepatitis. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Phenazopyridine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Phenazopyridine is not recommended for children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Phenazopyridine as it could lead to increased dizziness. Stop taking Phenazopyridine and consult your doctor immediately if you observe yellowish colouring of the skin or eye. Phenazopyridine may cause discolouration of urine, faeces, body fluids and soft contact lens.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Phenazopyridine may interact with an antibiotic (ciprofloxacin)
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency, hepatitis, or renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Phenazopyridine as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionPhenazopyridine belongs to pregnancy category B. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Phenazopyridine passes into breastmilk. Please consult your doctor before taking Phenazopyridine. Your doctor will decide whether Phenazopyridine can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionPhenazopyridine may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionPhenazopyridine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease only when prescribed by a doctor.
Kidney
cautionPhenazopyridine should be used with caution in patients with kidney insufficiency/disease only when prescribed by a doctor.
Children
unsafePhenazopyridine is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drink plenty of fluids as it helps to maintain bladder health.
- Avoid soda, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and coffee.
- Follow a plant-based diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise regularly.
- Pelvic floor muscles can help in strengthening bladder muscles.
- Use the bathroom whenever needed. Avoid holding in the pee for too long.
- Wear cotton loose-fitting undergarments as it prevents bacterial growth.
- Avoid smoking.
Special Advise
- Phenazopyridine might interfere with urine tests. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Phenazopyridine.
- Phenazopyridine may interfere with laboratory tests using colourimetric, photometric or fluorometric analysis methods.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain in the urinary tract: Pain is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain may be dull or sharp. It might be constant or may come and go. The tolerance level of pain might vary from person to person. Pain in the urinary tract could occur due to infections, surgery, trauma, catheter passage, or endoscopic procedures. Urinary tract infections can cause pain during urination, burning sensation during urination, increased frequency, and increased urge to pass urine.
FAQs
Phenazopyridine is excreted in the urine, where it exerts an analgesic effect on the mucosa of the urinary tract by blocking the release of chemical messengers that cause pain, thereby provides relief from pain, burning sensation, frequency, and urgency.
Phenazopyridine may darken the colour of urine and faeces to an orange or red discolouration. Do not panic, as it is a normal side-effect of Phenazopyridine, which is not harmful. However, darkened urine might permanently stain the undergarments.
Avoid wearing soft contact lens while taking Phenazopyridine as it might permanently stain them. Wear your spectacles while taking Phenazopyridine to prevent staining of the lens.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Phenazopyridine. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Phenazopyridine should not be taken for longer durations and is usually prescribed for only two days. Do not take Phenazopyridine for longer durations as it could lead to the skin's yellowish color due to accumulation of the drug. Consult your doctor if your condition does not improve despite taking Phenazopyridine for 2days.
Phenazopyridine does not treat urinary tract infections. Phenazopyridine is indicated for treating urinary symptoms such as pain, burning sensation, increased urge to urinate, and increased urination. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic along with Phenazopyridine to treat the infections.
