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) for an adult with urinary tract pain 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
The recommended dose of Pyridium (phenazopyridine) for adults with urinary tract pain is 200 mg taken by mouth three times daily after meals for no more than two days. This medication provides symptomatic relief by acting as a local anesthetic on the urinary tract lining, reducing pain, burning, urgency, and frequency while waiting for antibiotics to treat the underlying infection 2. Patients should be aware that Pyridium will turn urine and other bodily fluids orange or red, which is normal and not cause for concern.
Key Points to Consider
- The dose of 200 mg three times daily is supported by a multicenter, randomized, open-label study that showed significant improvement in symptoms of acute uncomplicated cystitis 2.
- It's essential to use Pyridium only as a temporary measure for symptom relief while the underlying urinary tract infection is being treated with appropriate antibiotics.
- Patients should drink plenty of water while taking Pyridium and complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotics.
- If symptoms persist beyond two days, patients should contact their healthcare provider, as prolonged use may mask worsening infection symptoms and can potentially cause kidney problems.
Evidence Summary
The study published in 2021 2 provides the most recent and highest quality evidence for the recommended dose of Pyridium. This study demonstrated that the combination of fosfomycin and phenazopyridine was more effective than the combination of fosfomycin and drotaverine in treating acute uncomplicated cystitis. The clinical and microbiological cure rate in the main group was 97.4% and 96.9%, respectively.
Important Considerations
- Pyridium should not be used for more than two days, as prolonged use can mask worsening infection symptoms and potentially cause kidney problems.
- Patients should be aware of the potential side effects of Pyridium, including nausea, which was reported in 1.3% of patients in the study 2.