Phenazopyridine for urinary symptoms

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
phenazopyridine	Phenazo

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. However, it does not eliminate the cause of symptoms, such as bacterial infection.

Side Effects

Side effects of phenazopyridine include:

• Headache.
• Rash and itching, sometimes with blisters.
• Mild nausea and diarrhea.
• Orange or red urine. The discoloration is temporary and harmless, but it can stain clothing and towels. Other body fluids may be discoloured as well; some people have reported staining of their contact lenses.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Do not take phenazopyridine for more than 2 days unless your doctor has instructed you to do so.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley	Last Updated: July 26, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.