Generic Pyridium

Pyridium is a brand name of phenazopyridine produced by Warner Chilcott Co. It is a pain relief medication used in the relief of pain, irritation and urgency caused by urinary tract infection, where it is often taken in conjunction with an antibiotic to combat the infection itself. It acts as a local painkiller that soothes pain in the urinary tract as it is passed through urine. It is also prescribed in other cases where irritation to the urinary tract is present, such as after the use of catheters. It comes in 100mg and 200mg tablets.

For adults it is prescribed to take Pyridium 3 times a day to a total of 600mg. It is also advised to take Pyridium with food to avoid stomach discomfort. Pyridium should only be taken to relieve symptoms pain but not as a substitute treatment for the infection itself. When it is taken with an antibacterial medication then Pyridium should not be taken for more than 2 days as there is little evidence of benefit for prolonged treatment using Pyridium together with the antibacterial rather than just the antibacterial medication alone. If pain still persists after 2 days, consult your doctor.

Do not take Pyridium if you have any prior history of allergy to phenazopyridine. Also, inform you doctor if you have any kidney or liver dysfunction, as this may hinder in the processing of the drug within your body.

While taking Pyridium, your urine and stools will often become red or orange. This is not harmful and is just an indicator of the drug passing through the body. This also causes yellowish pigmentation in the skin and the eyes and even teeth if the tablet is broken in the mouth. Avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment as it may permanently stain due to the yellow coloration in the eyes. This may be indicative of a less efficient processing of the drug by the kidneys or that it is time to discontinue use of the medication.

Presence of Pyridium in the body may interfere with lab results and produces different results, particularly in producing false urine sugar and urine ketone results in diabetic urine tests. Pyridium also affects urine tests that use colourimetric or spectrophotometric analysis. Inform your doctor that you are taking this medication prior to testing.

Individuals who are Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient have a greater risk of developing severe haemolytic anemia, or a sudden breakdown of red blood cells.

Interactions with other medicine and effects on pregnant women and breastfeeding have not been thoroughly studied. Consult with your doctor if you are taking other medications or are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant.

Pyridium may cause dizziness, indigestion, itching, fever and swelling. Other rarer side effects include confusion, tiredness or weakness, sudden decrease in urine and shortness of breath. Decrease in urine production will be more common in the elderly, and may be closely monitored by the doctor. Overdose on Pyridium may cause bluish coloration in the skin, and impaired kidney and liver functions.