Pyridium

What Is Pyridium?

Pyridium (phenazopyridine hydrochloride) is an analgesic pain reliever used to treat pain, burning, increased urination, and increased urge to urinate. These symptoms are usually caused by:

• infection,
• injury,
• surgery,
• catheter,
• or other conditions that irritate the lower urinary tract.

Pyridium treats the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, but does not treat the actual infection. Pyridium is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Pyridium?

Common side effects of Pyridium include:

• headache,
• dizziness,
• skin itching,
• stomach pain,
• or stomach upset.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Pyridium including:

• pale skin,
• fever,
• confusion,
• weakness,
• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes),
• urinating less than usual or not at all,
• drowsiness,
• mood changes,
• increased thirst,
• loss of appetite,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• swelling,
• weight gain,
• shortness of breath,
• or blue or purple coloring in your skin.

Dosage for Pyridium

The adult dosage of Pyridium is two 200 mg tablets 3 times a day after meals.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Pyridium?

Other drugs may interact with Pyridium. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.

Pyridium During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

During pregnancy, Pyridium should be used only if prescribed. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Additional Information

Our Pyridium (phenazopyridine hydrochloride) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using phenazopyridine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• little or no urinating;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• confusion, loss of appetite, pain in your side or lower back;
• fever, pale or yellowed skin, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting; or
• blue or purple appearance of your skin.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness; or
• upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Pyridium (Phenazopyridine)