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Information and Resources
Phenazopyridine for Urinary Symptoms
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| phenazopyridine | Pyridium, Uristat |
How It Works
Phenazopyridine is a pain reliever (analgesic) for the urinary tract. It comes in tablet form that you take by mouth (orally).
Why It Is Used
Phenazopyridine relieves urinary symptoms such as pain, burning, or the frequent need to urinate caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs), catheters, or injury or surgery to the area.
How Well It Works
Phenazopyridine provides short-term relief of urinary tract symptoms. But it does not eliminate the cause of symptoms, such as bacterial infection.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call911or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Hives.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if:
- Symptoms of a urinary tract infection get worse while you are taking this medicine. Symptoms of a UTI include:
- Pain during urination.
- Having to urinate more often.
- Blood in urine.
- Not being able to urinate or not having much urine.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
This medicine will change the color of your urine to red or orange. This is temporary and harmless, but it can stain clothing and towels. Other body fluids may be discolored as well. Some people have reported staining of their contact lenses.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 16, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
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