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. When used concomitantly with an antibacterial agent for the treatment of a urinary tract infection, the administration of Phenazopyridine HCl should not exceed 2 days. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Phenazopyridine HCl is indicated for the symptomatic relief of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other discomforts arising from irritation of the lower urinary tract mucosa caused by infection, trauma, surgery, endoscopic procedures, or the passage of sounds or catheters
The recommended treatment and dosage for phenazopyridine for urinary tract pain is:
- Average adult dosage: 2 tablets of 100 mg or 1 tablet of 200 mg, 3 times a day after meals 1
- Duration of treatment: Should not exceed 2 days when used concomitantly with an antibacterial agent for the treatment of a urinary tract infection 1
- Indication: Symptomatic relief of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other discomforts arising from irritation of the lower urinary tract mucosa caused by infection, trauma, surgery, endoscopic procedures, or the passage of sounds or catheters 1
From the Research
Phenazopyridine is recommended at a dosage of 200 mg taken by mouth three times daily for adults experiencing urinary tract pain, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 2.
Key Points to Consider
- The medication should be taken after meals to reduce stomach upset, and treatment duration should generally not exceed 2 days when used alongside antibiotics for urinary tract infections.
- Patients should be aware that phenazopyridine will turn urine orange-red, which is normal and not cause for concern.
- This medication works by directly soothing the urinary tract lining through its local anesthetic effect, providing symptom relief while the underlying infection is being treated with antibiotics.
- It's essential to note that phenazopyridine only treats the pain symptoms and does not cure the infection itself.
- Patients should drink plenty of water while taking this medication and should discontinue use and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond 2 days, as continued urinary pain may indicate a need for different treatment.
- Those with kidney disease should use this medication with caution and only under medical supervision, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Supporting Evidence
- A multicenter, randomized, open-label study 2 demonstrated the efficacy and safety of phenazopyridine in combination with fosfomycin for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis in women.
- The study found that the combination of fosfomycin and phenazopyridine was more effective than the combination of fosfomycin and drotaverine, with a clinical and microbiological cure rate of 97.4% and 96.9%, respectively.
- Another study 3 evaluated the efficiency and safety of phenazopyridine for the treatment of patients with uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection, accompanied by pain, and found that phenazopyridine was an effective and well-tolerated drug for symptomatic therapy.
Important Considerations
- Phenazopyridine is not a substitute for antibiotic therapy in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
- Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or hives.
- The use of phenazopyridine in patients with kidney disease requires careful monitoring and dosage adjustments as needed.