Phenazopyridine is a painkiller (analgesic) that helps in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Pronunciation: fen-AY-zoe-PIR-I-deen
What are phenazopyridine’s uses?
Phenazopyridine is used to relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs), including pain, burning and the need to urinate frequently, and urinary discomfort associated with surgery or injury.
What dosage should you take?
For adults, the average dosage is 190 to 200mg taken orally three times a day. It should not be used for more than two days when taken with an antibacterial.
For children and young adults, aged between six and 18, the dosage is 12mg per kg taken orally and divided into three daily doses.
However, first check the correct dosages with your Clicks pharmacist.
What special precautions should you take?
- Always take the recommended dose and do not use for longer than two days without consulting your doctor first.
- Phenazopyridine may discolour urine (orange or red) and may also stain fabric, but this is a normal side effect.
- If you are scheduled for a urine test inform your doctor or healthcare personnel that you are taking phenazopyridine as it may interfere with certain lab tests.
- Phenazopyridine should be used with caution in the elderly as they are more sensitive to its side effects.
- It is not known if this medication is transferred into breast milk, or the risks involved if you are pregnant, so discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor before taking it.
- If symptoms persist after your medication has been completed, visit your doctor.
Phenazopyridine should be avoided if you suffer from the following conditions:
- Porphyria
- A phenazopyridine allergy
- Any drug allergy
- Kidney disease
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (a genetic blood disease)
Phenazopyridine should be used with caution if you suffer from the following conditions:
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
What drug interactions could you experience?
As a rule, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take to ensure you don’t suffer the effects of adverse drug interactions.
What are phenazopyradine’s side effects?
Side effects could include:
- Discolouration of urine to red or brown
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Upset stomach
- Side effects of an allergy include hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue.
This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects.
What are the overdose symptoms?
Call a doctor or the ambulance immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Fever
- Confusion
- Blue or purple skin discolouration
- Vomiting