From the FDA Drug Label
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 use of Phenazopyridine is for the symptomatic relief of:
- Pain
- Burning
- Urgency
- Frequency
- Other discomforts arising from irritation of the lower urinary tract mucosa caused by various conditions, as stated in the drug label 1.
From the Research
Phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic medication that should be used to relieve pain, burning, urgency, and discomfort caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary procedures, or irritation, in conjunction with appropriate antibiotic therapy, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 2. The typical adult dosage is 200 mg taken three times daily after meals for no more than two days when used for UTI symptoms.
- Phenazopyridine works by directly soothing the urinary tract lining rather than treating the infection itself.
- The medication turns urine orange or reddish, which is normal but can stain clothing.
- Side effects may include headache, stomach upset, and dizziness.
- Patients with kidney disease should use caution as the drug is eliminated through the kidneys.
- It's essential to drink plenty of water while taking phenazopyridine and to discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond two days, as this may indicate a need for different treatment. The use of phenazopyridine has been evaluated in various studies, including its effectiveness in treating acute uncomplicated cystitis 3, 2, its influence on patient well-being during and after cystoscopy 4, and its potential role in managing autonomic dysreflexia associated with urinary tract infection 5. However, it's crucial to prioritize the most recent and highest quality study, which is 2, when making a definitive recommendation. In this study, the combination of fosfomycin and phenazopyridine was found to be more effective than the combination of fosfomycin and drotaverine in treating acute uncomplicated cystitis, with a more rapid resolution of symptoms and a higher clinical and microbiological cure rate. Therefore, phenazopyridine should be used in conjunction with antibiotic therapy, such as fosfomycin, to relieve pain and discomfort caused by UTIs, as supported by the highest quality evidence 2.