From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 100 mg Tablets: Average adult dosage is two tablets 3 times a day after meals. 200 mg Tablets: Average adult dosage is one tablet 3 times a day after meals. The recommended dose of Pyridium (phenazopyridine) is:
- 100 mg tablets: 2 tablets 3 times a day after meals
- 200 mg tablets: 1 tablet 3 times a day after meals 1
From the Research
Pyridium (phenazopyridine) should be prescribed at a dose of 200 mg taken by mouth three times daily for adults, as this dosage has been shown to provide effective symptom relief in patients with acute uncomplicated cystitis 2.
Dosage and Administration
The maximum recommended duration of Pyridium is 2 days when used alongside antibiotics for urinary tract infections. For children 6-12 years old, the dose is reduced to 100 mg three times daily.
Mechanism of Action and Efficacy
Pyridium works by providing local anesthetic effects on the urinary tract lining, relieving pain, burning, urgency, and frequency associated with urinary tract infections or procedures. A study published in 2021 found that the combination of fosfomycin and phenazopyridine was more effective than the combination of fosfomycin and drotaverine in treating acute uncomplicated cystitis, with a clinical and microbiological cure rate of 97.4% and 96.9%, respectively 2.
Safety and Side Effects
Common side effects of Pyridium include orange-red discoloration of urine (which is normal), headache, and stomach upset. Patients should complete their full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve with Pyridium. Those with kidney disease may need dose adjustments, and the medication should be taken with food to minimize stomach upset. A study published in 2020 found that phenazopyridine was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported 3.
Key Considerations
- Pyridium is not an antibiotic and doesn't treat the infection itself, but rather provides symptom relief while antibiotics work.
- The medication should be used for a maximum of 2 days to minimize the risk of side effects and promote antibiotic efficacy.
- Patients with kidney disease should be closely monitored for potential dose adjustments and side effects.