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 Tab Pyridium (Phenazopyridine) for relieving 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 Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) for relieving 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 of urinary burning, pain, urgency, and frequency while waiting for antibiotics to treat the underlying urinary tract infection. Phenazopyridine works by directly soothing the urinary tract lining rather than treating the infection itself. Patients should be aware that this medication turns urine orange to red, which can stain clothing and may interfere with urinalysis tests. It should be discontinued once symptoms improve or when the two-day treatment period ends. Phenazopyridine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease, and it's essential to complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotics even if urinary pain symptoms resolve quickly with Pyridium. Drinking plenty of water while taking this medication is recommended to help flush the urinary system.
Key Points to Consider
- The dose of 200 mg three times daily is supported by recent studies, such as 2, which demonstrated the efficacy and safety of phenazopyridine in treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
- Phenazopyridine is for symptomatic relief and does not treat the underlying infection, as noted in 3 and 2.
- Caution is advised in patients with kidney disease due to potential adverse effects, as highlighted in 4 and 5.
- The medication's effect on urine color and potential interference with urinalysis tests should be considered, as mentioned in 6.
Important Considerations for Patient Care
- Patients should be informed about the potential for urine discoloration and the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics.
- Monitoring for adverse effects, especially in patients with renal insufficiency, is crucial.
- The use of phenazopyridine should be limited to the recommended duration to minimize the risk of adverse effects and to ensure that the underlying infection is adequately treated with antibiotics.