From the FDA Drug Label
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Phenazopyridine HCl is excreted in the urine where it exerts a topical analgesic effect on the mucosa of the urinary tract. DESCRIPTION Pyridium® (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.
The equivalent of a prescription for Pyridium (phenazopyridine) is Phenazopyridine HCl, which is the active ingredient in Pyridium.
- Key points:
- Phenazopyridine HCl exerts a topical analgesic effect on the mucosa of the urinary tract.
- It is used to relieve pain, burning, urgency, and frequency in the urinary tract.
- The precise mechanism of action is not known 1.
- Pyridium (Phenazopyridine HCl Tablets, USP) contains Phenazopyridine HCl as the active ingredient 1.
From the Research
Pyridium (phenazopyridine) is available over-the-counter in lower doses (95-100mg tablets) without a prescription, while higher prescription-strength doses (200mg tablets) require a doctor's prescription. The typical dosage is 200mg taken three times daily after meals for no more than two days when used alongside antibiotics for urinary tract infections, as shown in a recent study 2. This medication works by providing local analgesic effects on the urinary tract lining to relieve pain, burning, urgency, and frequency associated with UTIs. It's essential to note that Pyridium is not an antibiotic and doesn't treat the infection itself; it only relieves symptoms while antibiotics address the underlying infection.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Pyridium include:
- Side effects include orange-red discoloration of urine (which is normal), potential staining of clothing, and rarely, skin or sclera yellowing 3, 4.
- Patients with kidney disease should consult their doctor before use, and the medication should be discontinued if skin or eyes develop a yellowish color.
- A recent study 5 demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of phenazopyridine in combination with fosfomycin for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis, with a significant reduction in pain intensity and rapid resolution of symptoms.
Overall, Pyridium can be a useful addition to antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections, but its use should be carefully considered in patients with kidney disease or other underlying health conditions.