Phenazopyridine
Pronunciation: (fee-naz-oh-PEER-i-deen).
- Generic name
- Phenazopyridine
- Brand names
- Phenazo, Pyridium, Azo Standard, Baridium, Phenazopyridine, Phenazodine
- Drug class
- Urinary tract analgesic
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Phenazopyridine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Phenazopyridine works
Phenazopyridine is an azo dye that acts as a local analgesic on the mucosa of the urinary tract. It exerts its effect by providing topical relief of pain, burning, urgency, and discomfort caused by irritation or injury to the lower urinary tract. The precise mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to have a direct soothing effect on the urinary tract lining. (1)
What Phenazopyridine is used for
Relief of dysuria
Relief of dysuria (1)
Relief of urinary urgency
Relief of urinary urgency (1)
Relief of urinary frequency
Relief of urinary frequency (1)
Relief of burning sensation during urination
Relief of burning sensation during urination (1)
Relief of pain associated with urinary tract infections
Relief of pain associated with urinary tract infections (1)
Before taking Phenazopyridine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, hypersensitivity to phenazopyridine, and in those with G6PD deficiency due to risk of hemolytic anemia. (Contraindication) (1)
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh risks. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Phenazopyridine
- General Instructions: Take phenazopyridine exactly as prescribed, usually after meals to reduce stomach upset. Do not exceed the recommended duration (typically no more than 2 days when used with antibiotics).. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose is 100–200 mg orally three times daily after meals. Do not use for more than 2 days when used with antibacterial agents.. Pediatric Dosing: Use in children is not routinely recommended. If prescribed, dosing is based on body weight and should be determined by a healthcare provider.. Administration: Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water after meals.. When To Stop: Stop taking phenazopyridine when your symptoms resolve or after 2 days of use with antibiotics, whichever comes first. Do not use for longer unless directed by your doctor.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, blue or purple skin, confusion, or shortness of breath. Supportive care and monitoring are essential. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Stomach cramps
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Orange-red urine discoloration
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Methemoglobinemia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hemolytic anemia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May cause reddish-orange discoloration of urine and body fluids — serious
Symptoms: May cause reddish-orange discoloration of urine and body fluids. Not a substitute for antibiotic therapy in urinary tract infections. Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. May cause hemolytic anemia, especially in patients with G6PD deficiency. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly needed.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, hypersensitivity to phenazopyridine, and in those with G6PD deficiency due to risk of hemolytic anemia. Use with caution in elderly patients and those with mild to moderate renal impairment. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh risks.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Phenazopyridine has limited known drug interactions, but caution is advised when used with nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic drugs. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
The FDA label does not establish phenazopyridine's safety in pregnancy with controlled human data; because it is intended only for short-term symptomatic relief (maximum 2 days when combined with an antibacterial), use during pregnancy should be discussed with the prescriber, who can weigh alternatives. (1)
Breastfeeding
The FDA label does not provide specific breastfeeding safety data for phenazopyridine; discuss use while breastfeeding with the prescriber given the drug's short intended duration of use. (1)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (1)
Renal Impairment
Renal: CONTRAINDICATED in renal insufficiency — the drug and its metabolites accumulate and can cause toxic reactions in impaired renal function, per the FDA label. Hepatic: the label does not provide a specific hepatic-impairment dosing table, but phenazopyridine is also contraindicated in patients with hepatitis or significant hepatic disease per standard prescribing information, since methemoglobinemia and hepatotoxicity risk are higher when clearance is impaired. (1)
Hepatic Impairment
Renal: CONTRAINDICATED in renal insufficiency — the drug and its metabolites accumulate and can cause toxic reactions in impaired renal function, per the FDA label. Hepatic: the label does not provide a specific hepatic-impairment dosing table, but phenazopyridine is also contraindicated in patients with hepatitis or significant hepatic disease per standard prescribing information, since methemoglobinemia and hepatotoxicity risk are higher when clearance is impaired. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C, per the FDA label. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Relief of dysuria
Dose summary: 200 mg orally three times a day after meals
Renal context: Phenazopyridine is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency. The FDA label's Overdosage section also notes that administering usual doses to patients with impaired renal function may cause toxic reactions because the drug and its metabolites are not adequately cleared. (1)
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does phenazopyridine relieve urinary pain?
Most people experience relief from urinary pain, burning, and discomfort within a few hours of the first dose.
Can phenazopyridine cure a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
No, phenazopyridine only relieves symptoms. It does not treat the infection itself. Antibiotics are needed to cure a UTI.
Why does my urine turn orange or red while taking phenazopyridine?
Phenazopyridine is a dye that colors urine reddish-orange. This is harmless but may stain clothing or contact lenses.
Is it safe to use phenazopyridine during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Phenazopyridine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider.
How long can I safely take phenazopyridine?
Do not use phenazopyridine for more than 2 days when taken with antibiotics, unless directed by your doctor.
What should I do if I experience yellowing of my skin or eyes?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately, as this may indicate a serious liver problem; let them advise on whether to continue or stop taking phenazopyridine.
Can children take phenazopyridine?
Use in children is not routinely recommended and should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
What happens if I take too much Phenazopyridine?
Taking too much Phenazopyridine can lead to serious side effects such as methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia, and liver or kidney damage. Symptoms may include bluish skin, fatigue, shortness of breath, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately or contact a poison control center.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Phenazopyridine?
It is generally advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Phenazopyridine. While there isn't a direct severe interaction, alcohol can irritate the bladder, potentially worsening urinary symptoms that Phenazopyridine is intended to relieve. Additionally, both alcohol and Phenazopyridine are metabolized by the liver, and excessive alcohol intake could theoretically increase the risk of liver-related side effects.
Is Phenazopyridine safe during pregnancy?
Phenazopyridine's safety during pregnancy is not definitively established, and it is categorized as Pregnancy Category B. This means animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor before using Phenazopyridine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, to weigh the potential benefits against any risks.
What is the mechanism of action of Phenazopyridine?
Phenazopyridine is an azo dye that acts as a local analgesic on the mucosa of the urinary tract. It exerts its effect by providing topical relief of pain, burning, urgency, and discomfort caused by irritation or injury to the lower urinary tract. The precise mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to have a direct soothing effect on the urinary tract lining. (1)
What is the generic name of Phenazopyridine?
The generic name is Phenazopyridine. It is sold under brand names including Phenazo, Pyridium, Azo Standard, Baridium, Phenazopyridine, Phenazodine.
What class of drug is Phenazopyridine?
Phenazopyridine is classed as: Urinary tract analgesic.
References
- Phenazopyridine — Prescribing InformationMedGuideGlobal · United States · accessed 2026-08-03 · source 1
- Phenazopyridine hydrochloride tablets — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated unknown · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- PHENAZOPYRIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE (PHENAZOPYRIDINE) TABLET [REMEDYREPACK INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Co-trimoxazole — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Phenazopyridine — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 203197)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Phenazopyridine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Maximum Strength Urinary Pain Relief99.5 mg · target corporation
- Good Neighbor Pharmacy Urinary Pain Relief95 mg · amerisourcebergen drug corp
- Preferred Maximum Strength Urinary Pain Relief99.5 mg · preferred pharmaceuticals inc.
- Quality Choice Urinary Pain Relief95 mg · chain drug marketing association
- URO-PAIN95 mg, 99.5 mg · rising pharma holdings, inc.
- Pyridium100 mg, 200 mg · amneal pharmaceuticals llc
- Leader Maximum Strength Urinary Pain Relief99.5 mg, 97.5 mg · cardinal health
- Quality Choice Maximum Strength Urinary Pain Relief99.5 mg · chain drug marketing association
- UTI PAIN RELIEF99.5 mg · cadence health
- HealthMart Urinary Pain Relief95 mg · strategic sourcing services llc
Canada
- PHENAZO
- PYRIDIUM