This medication is used to relieve symptoms caused by
irritation of the urinary tract such as pain, burning, and the feeling of
needing to urinate urgently or often. This drug does not treat the cause of
the urinary irritation, but it can help relieve the symptoms while other
treatments take effect. Phenazopyridine is a dye that works as a painkiller
to soothe the lining of the urinary tract.
Take this medication by mouth after meals, usually 3
times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this
medication along with antibiotics for symptoms related to a urinary tract
infection, or are self-treating, do not take it for more than 2 days
without talking to your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Headache, dizziness, or stomach upset may occur. If any
of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- yellowing skin/eyes
- dark urine
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine, bloody urine)
- stomach/abdominal pain
- vomiting
- fever
- chills
- easy bruising/bleeding
- unusual tiredness
- shortness of breath
- fast heartbeat
- seizures
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking phenazopyridine, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- blood disorders (such as G6PD deficiency, hemolytic
anemia)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Phenazopyridine can dye your urine and tears orange-red.
This may stain clothing and contact lenses. Do not wear contact lenses
while using this medication. Urine and tears will return to normal color
after the medication is stopped.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this
medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as urine tests for kidney function, bilirubin, and sugar levels),
possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual
tiredness, skin color changes, change in the amount of urine, shortness of
breath, fast heartbeat, yellowing skin/eyes, easy bleeding/bruising, or
seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not take it later for another pain-related condition of
the urinary tract unless told to do so by your doctor. A different
medication may be necessary in those cases.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.