From the Research
Safety of Phenazopyridine in G6PD Deficiency
- The safety of Phenazopyridine in patients with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a concern due to the potential risk of hemolysis 1, 2.
- A study published in 2010 found that Phenazopyridine is one of the seven medications that should be avoided in individuals with G6PD deficiency due to the risk of hemolysis 1.
- However, a real-world study published in 2024 found that Phenazopyridine has been prescribed safely to hundreds/thousands of G6PD-deficient patients, providing reassurance to patients, prescribers, and regulators 3.
- A case report published in 2023 described a patient with G6PD deficiency who developed acute hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, and acute renal dysfunction after taking Phenazopyridine for a UTI, highlighting the potential risks of this medication in G6PD-deficient patients 2.
- Another study published in 2019 reported a case of drug-induced hemolysis in a G6PD-deficient patient, but Phenazopyridine was not the culprit medication in this case 4.
- It is essential to note that the safety of Phenazopyridine in G6PD-deficient patients may depend on various factors, including the dose and duration of treatment, and individual patient characteristics 3, 2.
Key Findings
- Phenazopyridine is potentially hazardous in G6PD-deficient patients due to the risk of hemolysis 1, 2.
- Real-world data suggest that Phenazopyridine can be prescribed safely to G6PD-deficient patients in some cases 3.
- Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing Phenazopyridine to patients with G6PD deficiency and monitor them closely for signs of hemolysis 1, 3, 2.