KEY POINTS
- Phenazopyridine (Azo-Gesic, Pyridium) is an analgesic medication without antimicrobial properties that exerts local anesthetic or analgesic effects on urinary tract mucosa via an unknown mechanism
- May be used to help with the symptoms of urinary tract infection, but will not treat one
- Is available as an over the counter (OTC) product
- Dosing depends on the product, but is typically one tablet oral three times daily given with or after meals for two days
- Contraindicated in renal impairment
- Generally avoid in elderly due to reduced kidney function
- No adjustment for hepatic impairment noted in the package insert
- Contraindicated in renal impairment
- Headache, dizziness and stomach ache are some of the more common side effects
- May discolor urine to a reddish-orange color
- May also stain clothes or contact lenses
- Pregnancy category B
RESOURCES