Medications That Can Change the Color of Your Urine
Abnormal urine color can be worrying. But did you know discolored urine is often due to medications? See which medications can change the color of your urine.
phenazopyridine
Used for Urinary Tract Infection
Used for Urinary Tract Infection
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is a pain medication used to relieve urinary urgency, pain, and discomfort caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), surgery, or catheters. The medication is available over the counter (OTC) at lower strengths, and by prescription at higher strengths. You shouldn't take it for more than 2 days to treat symptoms of a UTI without speaking to your healthcare provider since it can hide a worsening infection.
What is Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)?
What is Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) used for?
- Relief of urinary pain, burning, urgency, and frequency caused by infection, trauma, catheter use, or surgery
How Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) works
It's not exactly known how phenazopyridine (Pyridium) works. But it's thought to work directly on the lining of the urinary tract to relieve pain.
When does Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Pyridium, AZO, Uristat, Uricalm |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Analgesic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription or over-the-counter |
Side effects of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Itching
- Upset stomach
Less Common Side Effects
- Vision changes
- Anemia
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
When do Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Harmless discoloration of body fluids (e.g., urine)
More on Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) side effects
The following Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
Pros
- Available over-the-counter and by prescription
- Works quickly to relieve urinary pain and discomfort
- Has very few interactions with other medications
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Might need to take it three times a day
- Only treats the symptoms of a UTI, not the underlying cause
- Can cause stains to clothing, fabric, linen, and even soft contact lenses
- Not the safest option for people with serious kidney problems
Pharmacist tips for Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
- Take phenazopyridine (Pyridium) with or after meals (or a snack). Taking it with food can lessen stomach upset. And make sure you drink a full glass (8 oz) of water when taking your dose.
- It's normal for your urine to change into a red-orange color when taking phenazopyridine (Pyridium). Although it isn't harmful, this can stain your clothes, particularly your undergarments. Take special care to avoid this staining like wearing a pantyliner.
- Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) can also stain soft contact lenses if you touch them after handling the tablets. If possible, avoid wearing contacts until you are done taking this medication to prevent this problem.
- If you're using phenazopyridine (Pyridium) along with an antibiotic for a UTI, don't take this medication for more than 2 days unless your healthcare provider specifically told you to do so.
- Don't take phenazopyridine (Pyridium) more than the recommended dose. Many of the serious side effects of this medication happen when too much of it is taken. If you feel this medication isn't working well enough, contact your provider because you might need to be examined for a more serious condition.
- Since phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is a colored dye, it can cause false results in people undergoing a urinalysis (a type of urine test). Make sure to tell your provider that you're taking phenazopyridine (Pyridium) if you're scheduled for a urine test.
More on Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) tips
Risks and warnings for Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
- Risk factors: G6PD deficiency
In people with a blood condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, phenazopyridine (Pyridium) can raise the risk of developing hemolytic anemia. This condition causes red blood cells to break down faster than they can be made, so the overall red blood cell count will be low. Contact your provider if you experience paleness, feeling very tired, fast heart rate, or shortness of breath.
Overdose
- Risk factors: People age 65 or older | Kidney problems
Some people have had serious side effects like kidney or liver damage while taking phenazopyridine (Pyridium). This is especially true when people take more than the recommended amount of the medication. Too much phenazopyridine (Pyridium) can cause hemolytic anemia even in people who don't have G6PD deficiency (see above). And your skin and the whites of your eyes can turn yellow if you take more medication than you should. Stop taking phenazopyridine (Pyridium) and talk to a healthcare provider right away if you start having fatigue, confusion, dizziness, yellowing of the skin and eyes, or a change in heartbeat.
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) dosage
The average cost for 6 tablets of 200mg of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is $9.88 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 65.67% off the average retail price of $28.78.
Typical dosage for Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is available both OTC and by prescription. The OTC strengths are 95 mg, 97.5 mg, and 99.5 mg. The prescription strengths available are 100 mg and 200 mg.
- OTC (adults and children 12 years old and older): The typical dose is 2 tablets by mouth three times a day after meals, as needed for up to 2 days.
- Prescription (adults): The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth three times a day after meals. If you are using this along with an antibiotic for a UTI, you should only take this for a maximum of 2 days.
More on Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) dosage
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) reviews
GoodRx has partnered with to provide reviews on the different aspects of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium).
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 18 people taking this medication
3.9
Effectiveness by condition:
interstitial cystitis9 reviews
4.0
urinary tract infection9 reviews
3.8
Side effects
Learn more about the side effects others have reported while taking Phenazopyridine (Pyridium).
Severity of side effects
Based on 23 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Based on 23 people taking this medication
Orange colored urine
22%
Amber colored urine
5%
Dizziness and feeling faint
5%
Headaches
5%
Nausea if taken on empty stomach
5%
Usage
Review why people stop taking this medication and how long they take it.
Reasons people stopped taking Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
Based on 33 people who have taken this medication
Course of treatment ended
61%
Other
22%
Did not seem to work
7%
Doctor's advice
7%
Personal research
4%
Side effects too severe
4%
How long people take Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
Based on 39 people who have taken this medication
0%
50%
100%
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Interactions between Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) and other drugs
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Phenazopyridine (Pyridium). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) will not be safe for you to take.
- People with severe kidney or liver problems
News about Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
How Long It Takes AZO to Work (Plus, 4 More Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Taking It)
AZO (phenazopyridine) can relieve UTI symptoms in as soon as 20 minutes. Get more info on how AZO works and how to take it for a UTI here.
6 Common Questions About Phenazopyridine (AZO) Interactions Answered
Phenazopyridine can help relieve symptoms of a urinary tract infection or similar condition. Phenazopyridine interactions are possible with certain medications and supplements.
7 Phenazopyridine Side Effects You Should Know About
Phenazopyridine, sold as AZO, relieves pain and urgency caused by urinary tract infections. Here are 7 side effects that may occur and when to stop taking AZO.
AZO Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
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Why Urinary Tract Infections Are More Common During Pregnancy—And How to Treat Them
Urinary tract infections during pregnancy are common but treatable with antibiotics. Explore the ways you can test, prevent, and treat UTIs while pregnant.
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) images
