Phenazopyridine HCl

Urinary Tract Pain Relief (Dysuria):

• Indication: Phenazopyridine HCl is used to relieve pain, burning, urgency, and discomfort caused by irritation in the urinary tract, often due to urinary tract infections (UTIs), surgery, or injury.
• Dosing Information:
• Adults: 200 mg taken orally 3 times daily after meals.
• Duration: Use for a maximum of 2 days when combined with an antibiotic for treating the underlying infection.

2. Post-Surgical or Post-Procedure Urinary Discomfort:

• Indication: Phenazopyridine is prescribed to alleviate urinary discomfort after surgical procedures involving the urinary tract, such as catheterization or cystoscopy.
• Dosing Information:
• Adults: 200 mg taken orally 3 times daily after meals.
• Duration: Use should be limited to no more than 2 days, as it does not treat the underlying cause, only the symptoms.

Irritation Due to Urinary Catheters or Instruments:

• Indication: This medication is also used to relieve irritation and discomfort caused by using urinary catheters or diagnostic instruments.
• Dosing Information:
• Adults: 200 mg taken orally 3 times daily after meals.
• Duration: Limit use to 2 days in conjunction with treatment for the underlying cause of the discomfort.

Phenazopyridine can be used off-label for the following:

Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome):

• Phenazopyridine may be used off-label to provide temporary relief from chronic bladder pain and urinary discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis.

Radiation Cystitis:

• In cases where the bladder has been irritated or inflamed due to radiation therapy (often in cancer treatments), phenazopyridine may be used off-label to alleviate the pain, burning, and discomfort.

Chronic Prostatitis or Prostatodynia:

• Phenazopyridine can sometimes be used off-label to provide symptom relief in men experiencing pain and discomfort from chronic prostatitis or prostatodynia, particularly when urinary irritation is involved.

Bladder Spasms or Urethritis:

• To reduce discomfort from bladder spasms or inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) that causes painful urination.

Urinary Irritation Due to Chemotherapy:

• Some chemotherapy treatments can irritate the bladder. Phenazopyridine may be used off-label to manage symptoms like urinary pain and burning.

Kidney disease (renal insufficiency): Phenazopyridine is contraindicated in patients with severe kidney disease or impaired renal function, as the drug is excreted primarily through the kidneys and can accumulate to toxic levels.

Severe liver disease: People with severe liver impairment should avoid phenazopyridine, as the liver plays a role in processing the medication.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency: Patients with G6PD deficiency should not take phenazopyridine, as it increases the risk of hemolysis (the destruction of red blood cells), which can lead to severe complications like hemolytic anemia.

Breastfeeding: Phenazopyridine may pass into breast milk, so its use is not recommended for nursing mothers unless deemed necessary by a healthcare provider.

Use only short-term: Phenazopyridine is meant to temporarily relieve urinary discomfort, usually for 2 days. It doesn't treat the underlying cause (like a UTI), so you should take antibiotics or other prescribed treatments.

Take after meals: To reduce the chance of stomach upset, take phenazopyridine with or after meals and a full glass of water.

Avoid use with kidney problems: If you have any kidney-related conditions or impaired kidney function, consult your doctor before taking phenazopyridine, as it may not be safe in these cases.

• Urine discoloration: Bright orange or red urine is a very common and harmless side effect.
• Stomach upset: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or an upset stomach can occur, especially if taken on an empty stomach.
• Headache: Some people may experience mild headaches while using phenazopyridine.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy can be a common reaction, especially in sensitive individuals.
• Itching or mild rash: Some users may develop a mild skin rash or itching.

• Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is needed.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice): This could indicate liver problems and require urgent medical evaluation.
• Dark urine (distinct from the harmless orange/red discoloration): Very dark or cola-colored urine can indicate liver or kidney issues.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling unusually short of breath could signal a severe allergic reaction or other complications.
• Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms may indicate a severe reaction and should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness: Severe fatigue could indicate hemolytic anemia, especially in individuals with G6PD deficiency.

Masking symptoms of an underlying condition: Phenazopyridine relieves the pain and discomfort of a urinary tract infection (UTI) but does not treat the infection itself. Using it without proper antibiotic treatment can delay seeking medical care, potentially worsening the infection.

Urine tests may be affected: Phenazopyridine can interfere with urine tests, particularly those for glucose (sugar) or ketones. Inform your healthcare provider if you are using phenazopyridine before undergoing urine tests.

Contact lens staining: The orange/red discoloration caused by phenazopyridine can stain soft contact lenses. If you wear contacts, consider switching to glasses while using the medication.

Use in patients with G6PD deficiency: Even if not contraindicated, those with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are at increased risk for hemolytic anemia when taking phenazopyridine, and this should be closely monitored if the drug is used.

Azo Urinary Pain Relief: An over-the-counter (OTC) version of phenazopyridine, available in lower doses (95 mg), is used for short-term relief of urinary pain, burning, and urgency.

Flavoxate (Urispas): A prescription antispasmodic drug relieves bladder spasms and associated pain, urgency, and frequency.

Oxybutynin (Ditropan): A prescription medication for overactive bladder symptoms, including urgency, frequency, and bladder pain caused by muscle spasms.

Tolterodine (Detrol): Another antimuscarinic drug that helps reduce bladder spasms and associated symptoms like frequent urination and discomfort.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): While not specifically for urinary pain, ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory that can help reduce pain and inflammation related to urinary tract infections (UTIs).