Pyridium (Phenazopyridine)

Description

Pyridium is a drug that reduces pain caused by any infection in the lower urinary system such as in the bladder and urethra.

 

It is prescribed for the treatment of painful burning sensations, increased urine production and other symptoms of UTIs, catheters and surgeries.

 

While Pyridium will treat UTI symptoms, it will not do anything about the infection itself. To cure an UTI, take antibiotics given by a doctor.

 

 

 

Important data

 

If you are allergic to a medication such as phenazopyridine (the main ingredient of this medicine), or if you have a history of kidney conditions, do not take this medicine.

 

While this medication will treat infection symptoms, it will not treat the actual infection, so make sure you take an antibiotic too.

 

In order to avoid an upset stomach while taking this medicine it is best to take it with food.

 

At times, Pyridium will cause you to have darker, reddish urine. This is normal and you don’t have to worry unless you also have symptoms of jaundice.

 

This medicine can also leave irremovable stains on contact lenses, so make sure that you don’t wear contacts while on this medicine.

 

Never use this drug for more than 2 days, unless your physician has prescribed it to you for a longer period of time.

 

If you have confusion, fever or jaundice, stop taking this medicine immediately and call your doctor.

 

Tell your doctor if you have a hepatic condition, diabetes, G6PD deficiency, and any other conditions.

 

If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant while taking this medicine, make sure you tell your doctor before.

 

This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn child. It is also not known whether it can pass into the breast milk of a nursing mother. Tell your doctor if you are either pregnant or breastfeeding, just to be safe.

 

Dosage

 

This medicine should be consumed in the exact dosage your doctor has told you to take it. Never ingest it in excess amounts.

 

Never prolong use of Pyridium beyond the prescribed period of time.

 

Take it with about 250ml of water. When taken with food, your risk of having a bad stomach reaction can be reduced.

 

This drug will darken your urine and cause it to change color. Don’t worry about this unless you have jaundice as well, in this case you need to call a doctor immediately.

 

Some drug tests may return a false positive while you are on this medication. Make sure you tell your lab staff that you are on Pyridium prior to a test.

 

Incorrect dosing

 

If you fail to take a dose of this medication, be sure to take it as you remember. If it is almost time for the following dose, ignore the missed one. Never take a double dose to compensate for it.

 

If you overdose on this drug, call emergency services immediately.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects are:

 

 Headaches
 Dizzy feeling
 Abdominal pain
 Itchiness

 

More severe side effects are:

 

 Paleness
 Fever
 Confusion
 Allergies
 No urination
 Jaundice
 Drowsiness
 Swelling
 Bluish skin

 

Contact your practitioner if you start feeling any of the above symptoms coming on.

 

Contraindications

 

Stop taking this medication immediately if you have an allergic reaction.