Uses

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 frequently. 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.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times daily after meals 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.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Inform your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

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.

Precautions

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).

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 not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

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.

Phenazopyridine can interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine tests for kidney function, bilirubin, and sugar levels), possibly causing false test results. Home urine tests (including diabetic tests) may be affected. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. 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.

Notes

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.

Missed Dose

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.

Storage

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.