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 be effective in relieving symptoms of urinary tract infections while minimizing adverse effects 2.
Key Considerations
- The maximum recommended duration of Pyridium use is 2 days when used alongside antibiotics for urinary tract infections, as prolonged use may increase the risk of adverse effects 3.
- For children 6-12 years old, the dose should be reduced to 100 mg three times daily, as this population may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of Pyridium 3.
- Pyridium works by providing local analgesia to the urinary tract, relieving symptoms like pain, burning, urgency, and frequency during urination, but it is not an antibiotic and does not treat the infection itself 2.
Important Safety Information
- Common side effects of Pyridium include orange-red discoloration of urine (which is normal), headache, and stomach upset 3.
- Patients should be aware that Pyridium can stain clothing and contact lenses, and should complete any prescribed antibiotic course even if symptoms improve 3.
- Those with kidney disease may need dose adjustments, and the medication should be taken with food to minimize stomach upset 4.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- 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.
- Another study published in 2020 found that long-term use of phenazopyridine (>14-day supply) was not associated with an increased incidence of adverse drug reactions compared to a matched comparator group 4.