Pyridium: Fast-Acting Urinary Pain Relief
Pyridium
| Product dosage: 200mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | 1.07 $ | 64.35 $ (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | 0.99 $ | 96.53 $ 88.92 $ (8%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | 0.95 $ | 128.70 $ 113.49 $ (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | 0.90 $ | 193.05 $ 162.63 $ (16%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | 0.88 $ | 289.57 $ 236.34 $ (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | 0.86 $
Best per pill | 386.10 $ 310.05 $ (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Pyridium (phenazopyridine hydrochloride) is an oral analgesic medication specifically formulated to provide rapid symptomatic relief from urinary discomfort, burning, urgency, and frequency associated with lower urinary tract irritation. It works locally on the urinary tract mucosa to alleviate pain while underlying infections or conditions are being treated with appropriate antimicrobial or other therapy. This medication does not treat the cause of urinary symptoms but offers effective comfort during treatment. Patients should use Pyridium under medical supervision as part of a comprehensive management plan.
Features
- Contains phenazopyridine hydrochloride as the active ingredient
- Available in 95 mg and 200 mg film-coated tablets
- Exerts a local analgesic effect on the urinary tract mucosa
- Rapid onset of action, typically within one hour
- Compatible with many antimicrobial therapies
- Distinctive orange-red dye that may discolor urine
Benefits
- Provides prompt relief from urinary pain, burning, and discomfort
- Reduces urinary urgency and frequency symptoms
- Allows comfortable urination during infection treatment
- Supports patient compliance with primary antibiotic therapy
- Works locally with minimal systemic absorption
- Available by prescription for appropriate medical supervision
Common use
Pyridium is commonly prescribed for the symptomatic relief of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other discomforts arising from irritation of the lower urinary tract mucosa. This irritation is frequently caused by infection, trauma, surgery, endoscopic procedures, or the passage of sounds or catheters. The medication is typically used for short-term management (generally two to three days) while appropriate antibacterial therapy takes effect for underlying urinary tract infections. It may also be employed in cases of interstitial cystitis, radiation cystitis, or other non-infectious inflammatory conditions of the bladder and urethra.
Dosage and direction
The recommended adult dosage is one 200 mg tablet three times daily after meals, or as directed by a healthcare provider. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. For maximum effectiveness and to minimize gastric upset, administration with food is advised. Treatment should not exceed two days when used concomitantly with an antibacterial agent for urinary tract infection. If symptoms persist beyond this period, patients should consult their physician for reevaluation. Pediatric dosing must be determined by a healthcare provider based on age, weight, and clinical indication.
Precautions
Patients should be advised that Pyridium produces a reddish-orange discoloration of urine, which is harmless and expected. This discoloration may also stain fabrics. The medication may cause yellowish discoloration of the skin or sclerae, which could indicate accumulation due to impaired renal excretion and requires immediate medical attention. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, hepatitis, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Pyridium may interfere with certain urinary tests based on color reactions or spectrophotometry. Patients should inform all healthcare providers about Pyridium use before undergoing any diagnostic tests.
Contraindications
Pyridium is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to phenazopyridine hydrochloride or any component of the formulation. It should not be used in patients with renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate less than 50 mL/min) due to reduced drug excretion and potential accumulation. The medication is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatitis or hepatic insufficiency. Pyridium should not be administered to infants under one month of age due to the risk of methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia. It is also contraindicated as monotherapy for urinary tract infections without appropriate antimicrobial treatment.
Possible side effect
Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, and pruritus. The characteristic orange-red discoloration of urine is expected and not considered an adverse effect. Rare but serious adverse effects include methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia, renal and hepatic toxicity, skin discoloration (yellowish-orange), and anaphylactoid reactions. Patients should discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention if they develop skin yellowing, fever, confusion, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, or unusual tiredness. Allergic reactions including rash, itching, and swelling may occur in sensitive individuals.
Drug interaction
Pyridium may interact with other medications that affect renal function or are metabolized by the liver. Concomitant use with sulfonamides may increase the risk of crystalluria. The medication may interfere with urine tests for ketones, bilirubin, glucose, and protein using dipstick methods. It does not interact significantly with most antibiotics used for urinary tract infections. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements they are taking before starting Pyridium therapy.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Consistent dosing according to the prescribed schedule ensures optimal symptom control. If multiple doses are missed or there is uncertainty about proper administration, patients should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
Overdose
Overdose may cause methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia, renal failure, hepatic toxicity, and Heinz body formation. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, cyanosis, jaundice, and oliguria. In case of suspected overdose, immediate medical attention is required. Treatment is supportive and may include gastric lavage if ingestion was recent, methylene blue for methemoglobinemia, and hemodialysis in severe cases with renal impairment. Patients should be monitored for hematological, renal, and hepatic parameters following overdose.
Storage
Pyridium tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) in their original container, protected from light and moisture. The medication should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in bathrooms or other areas with high humidity. Properly discard any expired or unused medication according to local regulations. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into drains unless specifically instructed to do so.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pyridium is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should not self-diagnose or self-medicate with this product. Always follow the prescribing information provided by your healthcare provider and the medication manufacturer. Individual responses to medication may vary, and proper medical evaluation is essential before starting any new treatment.
Reviews
Clinical studies and patient reports consistently demonstrate Pyridium’s effectiveness in providing rapid relief from urinary discomfort. Many patients report significant improvement in pain and urgency within hours of the first dose. Healthcare providers appreciate its role as adjunctive therapy that improves patient comfort during antibiotic treatment. The characteristic urine discoloration is widely recognized as an expected effect rather than a concern. Most reviews emphasize that Pyridium should be used as directed for short-term symptom management while addressing the underlying cause of urinary symptoms.