Canadian pharmacy buying guide: drug characteristics, uses and benefits, side effects and interactions, and links for further information about buying discount drugs online from Canada.

Pyridium Consumer Information

PYRIDIUM

Generic Name: phenazopyridine (fe nah zo PIE rih deen)

Brand Names: Azo-Gesic, Azo-Standard, Baridium, Eridium, Phenazo, Prodium, Pyridiate, Pyridium, Re-Azo, Urinary Analgesic, Urodol, Urogesic, Viridium

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

  • Do not use phenazopyridine for longer than 2 days unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
  • Phenazopyridine may cause a harmless, orange-red coloring of the urine and other body fluids. Staining of contact lenses and clothing that comes in contact with body fluids may occur.

What is phenazopyridine?

  • Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic (pain reliever).
  • Phenazopyridine is used to relieve symptoms of pain, burning, urinary urgency, and urinary frequency associated with urinary tract infections, trauma, surgery, catheter placement, or other painful conditions.
  • Phenazopyridine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

  • Do not take phenazopyridine without first talking to your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to take phenazopyridine or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have kidney disease.
  • Phenazopyridine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take phenazopyridine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
  • It is not known whether phenazopyridine passes into breast milk. Do not take phenazopyridine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take phenazopyridine?

  • Take phenazopyridine exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • Phenazopyridine is usually taken three times a day after meals. Follow the directions given by your doctor or on the package.
  • Do not use phenazopyridine for longer than 2 days unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
  • Store phenazopyridine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical attention.
  • Symptoms of an overdose of phenazopyridine may include headache, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, bluish skin color, loss of consciousness, and death.

What should I avoid while taking phenazopyridine?

  • Phenazopyridine may cause a harmless, orange-red coloring of the urine and other body fluids. Staining of contact lenses and clothing that comes in contact with body fluids may occur.

What are the possible side effects of phenazopyridine?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking phenazopyridine and contact your doctor or seek emergency medication attention:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
    • yellowing of the skin or eyes.
  • Other less serious side effect may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:
    • headache;
    • rash or itching;
    • stomach upset; or
    • orange-red color of the urine.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect phenazopyridine?

  • There are no known interactions between phenazopyridine and other medications. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products, during treatment with phenazopyridine.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about phenazopyridine written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations of This Canadian Pharmacy Information

Efforts have been made to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. This is an educational resource only intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. This site does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 1.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.