From the FDA Drug Label
Phenazopyridine HCl is excreted in the urine where it exerts a topical analgesic effect on the mucosa of the urinary tract. Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride is light or dark red to dark violet, odorless, slightly bitter, crystalline powder. It has a specific local analgesic effect in the urinary tract, promptly relieving burning and pain.
Uribel is a brand name for the medication phenazopyridine, which is a topical analgesic that relieves pain, burning, urgency, and frequency in the urinary tract 1. It works by exerting a local analgesic effect on the mucosa of the urinary tract 1.
- Key words: phenazopyridine, topical analgesic, urinary tract
- Main idea: Uribel (phenazopyridine) is used to relieve pain and discomfort in the urinary tract.
From the Research
Uribel is a prescription medication that combines four active ingredients, primarily used to treat urinary tract symptoms such as pain, burning, urgency, and frequency of urination associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), urological procedures, or irritation of the urinary tract. The medication contains phenazopyridine hydrochloride, methenamine, sodium phosphate monobasic, and methylene blue. Phenazopyridine specifically works as a urinary analgesic that provides relief by numbing the lining of the urinary tract, while methenamine converts to formaldehyde in acidic urine to fight bacteria. Sodium phosphate helps maintain the acidity of urine to enhance methenamine's effectiveness, and methylene blue acts as a mild antiseptic. According to a study published in 2020 2, phenazopyridine is an effective and well-tolerated drug for symptomatic therapy in patients with acute uncomplicated cystitis and can be recommended in addition to etiological therapy. The typical dosage is one capsule taken orally three to four times daily with water, preferably after meals. Patients should be aware that Uribel turns urine blue or blue-green, which is normal and not cause for concern. It should be taken for the full prescribed duration even if symptoms improve. Common side effects include stomach upset, headache, and dizziness. Patients with kidney disease, liver problems, or certain genetic conditions should inform their doctor before taking this medication as dosage adjustments may be necessary. Some key points to consider when prescribing Uribel include:
- The medication is primarily used to treat urinary tract symptoms associated with UTIs, urological procedures, or irritation of the urinary tract.
- Phenazopyridine is an effective and well-tolerated drug for symptomatic therapy in patients with acute uncomplicated cystitis.
- The typical dosage is one capsule taken orally three to four times daily with water, preferably after meals.
- Patients should be aware of the potential side effects, including stomach upset, headache, and dizziness.
- Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with kidney disease, liver problems, or certain genetic conditions. It's also worth noting that other treatment options, such as gepotidacin 3 and phage therapy 4, are being explored for the treatment of UTIs, but Uribel remains a commonly used and effective treatment option. However, the most recent and highest quality study 2 supports the use of phenazopyridine as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for urinary tract symptoms.