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Overview: Phenazopyridine is used to help reduce symptoms of a bladder infection, such as pain or burning. It does not help treat the infection. Common side effects can include an upset stomach and orangish-red pee. The discolored pee can stain fabrics. Taking phenazopyridine with food may reduce your risk of an upset stomach. If you wear contact lenses, they may be stained an orangish-red color. 

Uses

What is phenazopyridine used for?

Phenazopyridine is commonly used to reduce symptoms such as urinary pain, burning, and feeling like you need to pee urgently or often because of a bladder infection (urinary tract infection). It may also be used to help relieve these symptoms from other causes, such as surgery or another procedure. 

These uses may vary depending on the specific phenazopyridine product used. Phenazopyridine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed this medicine for safety and effectiveness, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does phenazopyridine work (mechanism of action)?

Phenazopyridine is a dye that works to soothe the lining of the urinary tract and reduce pain and irritation. It is used to help relieve symptoms, but it does not treat the cause of a bladder infection. 

How is phenazopyridine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Azo
  • Prodium
  • Pyridiate
  • Pyridium
  • Uricalm
  • Uristat
  • Urogesic

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 95 mg, 97.5 mg, 99.5, 100 mg, 200 mg oral tablets

How should I store phenazopyridine?

Storage instructions can vary among phenazopyridine products. Most of them should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Store it in a cool, dry place, and protect it from light. Follow the instructions on the product you have. If you are unsure how to store your medicine, check with your pharmacist. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of phenazopyridine?

The most common side effects of phenazopyridine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Upset stomach
  • Orangish-red pee (urine)
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Itching

There may be other side effects of phenazopyridine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of phenazopyridine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of phenazopyridine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Phenazopyridine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking phenazopyridine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use phenazopyridine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take phenazopyridine.

  • Azo
  • Phenazopyridine
  • Prodium
  • Pyridiate
  • Pyridium
  • Uricalm
  • Uristat
  • Urogesic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific phenazopyridine products they stock.

Kidney Problems. Phenazopyridine should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to see if they are working well enough for you to take this medicine.

What should I know about phenazopyridine before using it?

If phenazopyridine was prescribed to you by a health care provider, take it as prescribed. If you are taking over-the-counter phenazopyridine, read and follow the instructions that come with the product. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Do not share phenazopyridine that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Taking phenazopyridine with food or after a meal may help prevent an upset stomach after taking it. It should usually be taken with a full glass of water.

Phenazopyridine will likely cause your pee to turn orangish-red. Take care to avoid getting discolored pee on fabrics. It is possible for the discolored pee to stain fabrics. 

If you wear contact lenses, phenazopyridine may stain them an orangish-red color. Wash your hands after handling the medicine to decrease this risk. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns. 

Keep phenazopyridine out of the reach of children.

Stop taking phenazopyridine and call your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • You still have symptoms after two days
  • Fever, chills, back pain, or blood in your pee

Phenazopyridine may affect certain lab tests that involve collecting your pee. Tell all of your health care providers that you are taking this medicine before any lab tests.

What should I tell my health care provider before using phenazopyridine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if phenazopyridine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Phenazopyridine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking phenazopyridine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how phenazopyridine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take phenazopyridine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if phenazopyridine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take phenazopyridine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does phenazopyridine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between phenazopyridine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect phenazopyridine, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Does phenazopyridine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using lidocaine/prilocaine, which is a medicine applied to the skin for pain relief or to numb an area before a procedure. 

This may not be the only medicine that can interact with phenazopyridine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much phenazopyridine?

If you or someone else has used too much phenazopyridine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of phenazopyridine?

Phenazopyridine is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it as directed on the label or as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses.