Azo Products for Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

Medically Reviewed by Beth Johnston, PharmD, BCPS on April 30, 2025
3 min read

Azo products are used to treat symptoms caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs). This can include pain and burning as well as urgency and frequency of peeing. Azo products may contain different active ingredients, which are listed below, depending on the product you are taking.

Phenazopyridine and sodium salicylate can help relieve pain in your urinary tract. Methenamine stops bacteria from growing in your urinary tract by making your pee more acidic. 

There are Azo products for adults and children as young as 12 years old.

Do not cut, crush, or chew Azo tablets. Swallow the tablets whole. 

Take Azo with a full glass of water. If your symptoms last more than 2 to 3 days, stop taking Azo and call your health care provider. Azo products do not cure UTIs.

Phenazopyridine is an organic dye. Azo products that contain phenazopyridine may change the color of your pee to a red or orange color. It may also stain items such as clothes or soft contact lenses after touching the tablets. Products that contain phenazopyridine can also affect certain laboratory tests, including tests that involve your pee. Talk to your health care provider to learn more. 

Do not take Azo products with phenazopyridine if you have a G6PD deficiency without talking to your health care provider. An upset stomach may occur when taking an Azo product with phenazopyridine. Taking the medicine with or after meals may help with this. If you have kidney disease or have allergies to foods, preservatives, or dyes, talk to your health care provider before taking an Azo product that contains phenazopyridine. 

Sodium salicylate is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Children and teens who are recovering from chickenpox or have flu-like symptoms may be at an increased risk of developing Reye’s syndrome when taking Azo products that contain sodium salicylate. Stop taking Azo if your child or teen has changes in their behavior along with nausea and vomiting. 

People also taking an Azo product with sodium salicylate may have an increased risk of stomach bleeding. Do not take an Azo product with sodium salicylate if you have an allergy to salicylates (including aspirin), stomach problems (heartburn, upset stomach, or stomach pain), ulcers, or bleeding problems, without talking to your health care provider. 

Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following before taking an Azo product with sodium salicylate and methenamine.

There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Azo product you are using. Always check the label before taking any Azo product. Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which Azo products are safe for you.

Use the tables below to help you find the best product to treat your symptoms.

Active ingredients: 

  • Pain reliever: sodium salicylate
  • Antibacterial: methenamine

Product

AZO Urinary Tract Defense Tablets

Age

12 years and older 

Formulation

Tablets

Dosing Frequency

Three times a day 

Active ingredient: 

  • Urinary pain reliever: phenazopyridine

Product

AZO Urinary Pain Relief Tablets

Age

12 years and older 

Formulation

Tablets

Dosing Frequency

Three times a day 

Product

AZO Urinary Pain Relief Maximum Strength Tablets

Age

12 years and older 

Formulation

Tablets

Dosing Frequency

Three times a day