Get a Phenazopyridine Prescription Online (Pyridium)

What Is Phenazopyridine?

Phenazopyridine is a pain reliever that can be prescribed or bought over the counter. The drug affects the lower urinary tract and is used to treat painful symptoms in the bladder and urethra. This can be used to relieve pain from infections, injuries, or other forms of irritation of the bladder.

Phenazopyridine is not an antibiotic, and should not be treated as such. It’s not used to treat infections, but rather to relieve the pain that may be being caused by an infection.

How Does Phenazopyridine Work?

As Phenazopyridine is not an antibiotic, it doesn’t directly target the problem or cause of the symptoms. Instead, it acts as a local anesthetic, lining the urinary tract and numbing the sensory nerves in that area.

When this happens, while your pain will be relieved, you should know that the condition is not being treated – but you are just more numb to the symptoms. Patients may feel less irritation and burning when urinating as a result.

What Is Phenazopyridine Used For?

Patients will typically be prescribed Phenazopyridine if they are experiencing pain, irritation, or burning in their urinary tract. Pain that is caused by urinary tract infections, surgery, injuries, or other conditions can be a difficult symptom, and this drug can help to alleviate the severity of the pain.

What Are the Side Effects of Phenazopyridine?

The side effects of Phenazopyridine may vary from patient to patient, and may even cause serious or severe symptoms. The common side effects of Phenazopyridine are:

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Experiencing headaches
• Having an upset stomach
• Orange or Reddish-Brown Urine

If you experience any of the following side effects, you should stop using Phenazopyridine immediately and get in touch with your doctor:

• Confusion
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Unable to urinate
• Skin appears blueish in color
• Swelling or weight gain

If you experience any other form of effects while taking Phenazopyridine, you should be sure to consult your doctor as soon as possible before taking any more medication.

It should be noted that the list of symptoms above is not comprehensive and that other symptoms may appear.

How to Take Phenazopyridine?

If you are prescribed Phenazopyridine, you should make sure to take it as instructed by the doctor. General use for this medication should be taken orally, which will typically done three times per day.

Phenazopyridine should be taken after each meal, and you should check with your doctor to make sure it’s fine to take with other medications you might be using.

Ensure that you’re only using Phenazopyridine for the duration that your doctor has prescribed or recommended, as taking more might be unnecessary. Generally, if you’re going to self-medicate, you should consult your doctor before usage.

Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics to take at the same time as your Phenazopyridine, and you will likely be directed to take these for no more than two days. Your UTI symptoms should clear up within that time unless your symptoms are a result of another condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phenazopyridine

What to Avoid While Taking Phenazopyridine?

While taking Phenazopyridine you should avoid the following:

• Alcohol – Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and stomach upset.
• Certain medications – Some medications like antacids, or medication that affects the liver or kidneys may interact with Phenazopyridine.
• Excessive sun exposure – Phenazopyridine can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.
• Long-term use – Phenazopyridine is generally prescribed as a short-term relief from your symptoms (around 2 days). Long-term use could stress your kidneys and liver.

The list of things to avoid while taking Phenazopyridine isn’t comprehensive, you should consult with your doctor about any possible risks and interactions before taking Phenazopyridine.

How Long Does It Take for Phenazopyridine to Work?

The exact time it takes for Phenazopyridine to start working can vary from person to person, but in general, Phenazopyridine is known to have a quick effect.

You should start to feel relief from urinary discomfort as quickly as within 20 to 60 minutes after taking the medication.

What Is the Typical Dosage for Phenazopyridine?

The typical dosage for Phenazopyridine is 100 mg to 200 mg taken 2 to 3 times a day after meals. The treatment lasts a maximum of 2 days or as directed by your healthcare provider.

The dosage and treatment length can vary depending on the individual’s medical condition and how they are responding to the treatment. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking Phenazopyridine.

For How Long Can You Take Phenazopyridine?

Phenazopyridine is intended for short-term use to provide relief of symptoms. The typical treatment duration is two days.

Is Phenazopyridine Only for UTIs?

While Phenazopyridine is mostly used to relieve symptoms associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) it can also be used for other conditions that cause discomfort or pain in the lower urinary tract.

Is Phenazopyridine the Same as AZO?

Not exactly. Phenazopyridine is the active ingredient in several over-the-counter and prescription medications used to relieve UTI symptoms. Some AZO products do contain Phenazopyridine as the active ingredient some do not. It is important to read the label before taking any medication to ensure that it contains the active ingredient you are looking for.

Will Phenazopyridine Cure My UTI?

No Phenazopyridine does not cure UTIs or any other underlying medical condition causing urinary symptoms. It is only used as a short-term relief of symptoms related to the condition.

Can You Get Phenazopyridine Over-The-Counter (OTC)?

Yes, Phenazopyridine is available as both a prescription and an OTC medication. If you are considering taking Phenazopyridine, it is important to consult your healthcare provider first before taking the medication. Your doctor will be able to determine if this is the best course of treatment for you and provide any other necessary instructions.

For more detailed information about phenazopyridine, you can refer to the following sources:

• Phenazopyridine, Drugs.com.
• Phenazopyridine, MedlinePlus.

The content on this page has been medically reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC