Pyridium

Pyridium

     * Generic Name: phenazopyridine
     * Brand Name: Pyridium


     * What is phenazopyridine?
     * What are the possible side effects of phenazopyridine?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       phenazopyridine?
     * What should I discuss with my health care provider before
       taking phenazopyridine?
     * How should I take phenazopyridine?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking phenazopyridine?
     * What other drugs will affect phenazopyridine?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is phenazopyridine?

   Phenazopyridine is a pain reliever that affects the lower part of
   your urinary tract (bladder and urethra).

   Phenazopyridine is used to treat urinary symptoms such as pain or
   burning, increased urination, and increased urge to urinate. These
   symptoms can be caused by infection, injury, surgery, catheter, or
   other conditions that irritate the bladder.

   Phenazopyridine will treat urinary symptoms, but this medication will
   not treat a urinary tract infection.. Take any antibiotic that your
   doctor prescribes to treat an infection.

   Phenazopyridine may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of phenazopyridine?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Stop using phenazopyridine and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * little or no urinating;
     * swelling, rapid weight gain;
     * confusion, loss of appetite, pain in your side or lower
       back;
     * fever, pale or yellowed skin, stomach pain, nausea and
       vomiting; or
     * blue or purple appearance of your skin.

   Common side effects may include:
     * headache;
     * dizziness; or
     * upset stomach.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about phenazopyridine?

   You should not use phenazopyridine if you have kidney disease.

   Pyridium Patient Information including How Should I Take
   RxList

   Take the UTI Quiz
   Urinary Tract Infection:Bladder Infection Symptoms, Causes and
   Treatments

   Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Slideshow Pictures
   Urinary Incontinence in Women: Loss of Bladder Control?

   Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking
phenazopyridine?

   You should not use phenazopyridine if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have kidney disease.

   To make sure phenazopyridine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * liver disease;
     * diabetes; or
     * a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate
       dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

   FDA pregnancy category B. Phenazopyridine is not expected to harm an
   unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you
   are pregnant.

   It is not known whether phenazopyridine passes into breast milk or if
   it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a
   doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take phenazopyridine?

   Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
   Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Take phenazopyridine after meals.

   Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking phenazopyridine.

   Phenazopyridine will most likely darken the color of your urine to an
   orange or red color. This is a normal effect and is not harmful.
   Darkened urine may also cause stains to your underwear that may be
   permanent.

   Phenazopyridine can also permanently stain soft contact lenses, and you
   should not wear them while taking this medicine.

   Do not use phenazopyridine for longer than 2 days unless your doctor
   has told you to.

   This medication can cause unusual results with urine tests. Tell any
   doctor who treats you that you are using phenazopyridine.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Pyridium Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   RxList

   Take the UTI Quiz
   Urinary Tract Infection:Bladder Infection Symptoms, Causes and
   Treatments

   Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Slideshow Pictures
   Urinary Incontinence in Women: Loss of Bladder Control?

   Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking phenazopyridine?

   Do not use this medication while wearing soft contact lenses.
   Phenazopyridine can permanently discolor soft contact lenses.

What other drugs will affect phenazopyridine?

   Other drugs may interact with phenazopyridine, including prescription
   and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell
   each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and
   any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about phenazopyridine.
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