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Pyridium

Common Name:

phenazopyridine

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How does the Pyridium medication work? What will it do for me?

Phenazopyridine belongs to the class of medications called urinary tract analgesics. It is used for the relief of burning, pain, frequent urge to urinate, and other discomforts associated with irritation or infection of the urinary tract. It is not an antibiotic and therefore will not cure an infection. Phenazopyridine may be used at the same time as an antibiotic.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does the Pyridium medication come in?

Pyridium is no longer available in Canada.The information in this article may not be up-to-date. For additional information about this medication, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.

How should I use the Pyridium medication?

The usual adult dose of phenazopyridine is 200 mg taken 3 times daily, after meals to reduce the chance of stomach upset. Phenazopyridine should not be used for more than 2 days. If the symptoms do not improve within this time or worsen at any time, talk with your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take the Pyridium medication?

Do not take phenazopyridine if you:

  • are allergic to phenazopyridine or any ingredients of the medication
  • have reduced kidney function
  • have liver disease

What side effects are possible with the Pyridium medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

  • dizziness
  • headache
  • indigestion
  • itching of the skin
  • orange or red colour of the urine or feces
  • staining of contact lenses (orange or red)
  • stomach cramps or pain

Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

  • blue or blue-purple colour of skin
  • fever and confusion
  • skin rash
  • sudden decrease in the amount of urine
  • swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • weight gain

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

  • shortness of breath, tightness in chest, wheezing, or troubled breathing
  • yellow eyes or skin

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for the Pyridium medication?

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.

Discoloration of body fluids: Phenazopyridine produces an orange-to-red colour in the urine and feces, and may cause staining. Phenazopyridine may cause discoloration of other body fluids and staining of contact lenses has been reported.

If the medication has been broken or held in the mouth before swallowing, it may cause tooth discoloration. If your skin or eyes turn a yellowish colour, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Laboratory tests: This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. If you are having lab tests done, make sure your doctor knows that you take this medication.

Length of treatment: Take phenazopyridine for only 2 days. If symptoms persist beyond 2 days, contact your doctor.

Medical conditions: If you have an inherited condition called G-6-PD deficiency, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if phenazopyridine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for seniors.

What other drugs could interact with the Pyridium medication?

There may be an interaction between phenazopyridine and ciprofloxacin.

If you are taking ciprofloxacin, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

  • stop taking one of the medications,
  • change one of the medications to another,
  • change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
  • leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Pyridium