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Phenazopyridine Coupon - Phenazopyridine 200mg tablet

phenazopyridine

Generic Pyridium, Azo-Septic, Azo-Standard, Uristat, Phenazo 95
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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 16, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageReviewsInteractionsCostContraindicationsLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPyridium, AZO, Uristat, Uricalm
Drug ClassAnalgesic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$21.66(save 81.01%)
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$4.11
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What are the 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

Other Side Effects

  • Vision changes
  • Anemia
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
When do Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Harmless discoloration of body fluids (e.g., urine)

Source: DailyMed

More on Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) side effects

phenazopyridine: side effects phenazopyridine

7 Phenazopyridine Side Effects You Should Know About

Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP

The following 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:

Rare

Blue or blue-purple color of skin

fever and confusion

shortness of breath, tightness in chest, wheezing, or troubled breathing

skin rash

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

swelling of face, fingers, feet, and/or lower legs

unusual tiredness or weakness

weight gain

yellow eyes or skin

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:

Less common or rare

Dizziness

headache

indigestion

itching of the skin

stomach cramps or pain

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)

pharmacist

  • 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

              Azo: pharmacy tips azo

              How Long It Takes AZO to Work (Plus, 4 More Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Taking It)

              Written by Kristine Foley, PharmD
              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)

              How quickly does phenazopyridine (Pyridium) work?
              Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) works pretty quickly. Some people might start feeling symptom relief within 20 minutes to an hour.
              Does phenazopyridine (Pyridium) get rid of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
              No, phenazopyridine (Pyridium) won't get rid of a UTI because it doesn't kill bacteria. Instead it only relieves discomfort or pain that's caused by a UTI. You likely will need to take an antibiotic that your provider will prescribe, along with phenazopyridine (Pyridium) to treat the infection.
              Why can't I use phenazopyridine (Pyridium) for longer than 2 days?
              Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is intended to relieve pain right away from a UTI while you're also taking the antibiotic. And after 2 days, you shouldn't need to take phenazopyridine (Pyridium) anymore because the antibiotic should start working to treat the UTI-related pain. But if you're still having pain and discomfort after 2 days of starting the antibiotic, it's possible the antibiotic isn't working and you might need to be switched to a different antibiotic. If this happens, call your provider.
              Why does phenazopyridine (Pyridium) turn urine orange?
              Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is a dye that's a red-orange color. So it will cause your urine to become red-orange. But luckily it isn't harmful. Things like clothes, bed sheets, or contact lenses can stain since phenazopyridine (Pyridium) can change the color of your bodily fluids. Also, those that take phenazopyridine (Pyridium) for a long time might have yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.
              Can phenazopyridine (Pyridium) be used if I'm breastfeeding?
              Probably not. There haven't been any studies on the safety of phenazopyridine (Pyridium) in breastfeeding mothers. Since the medication can potentially cause blood problems, it's recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking the medication, especially with a baby under 1 month of age or with a condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
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              What are the 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.

              risk-warning

              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.

                risk-warning

                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.

                  dosage

                  Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 6 tablets of 200mg of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is $4.71 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 78.25% off the average retail price of $21.66.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  100mg6 tablets$4.11$0.69
                  200mg6 tablets$4.71$0.79

                  Typical dosing 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 forms

                  azo: pharmacist helping customer 1168997494

                  AZO Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                  Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP
                  Reviews

                  Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) Reviews

                  GoodRx has partnered with PatientsLikeMe 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

                  None

                  61%

                  Mild

                  27%

                  Moderate

                  14%

                  Severe

                  0%

                  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 taking this medication

                  2 to <5 years

                  3%

                  5 to <10 years

                  29%

                  10+ years

                  70%

                  0%

                  50%

                  100%

                  Powered by:Patients Like Me logo
                  interactions

                  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.

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                  How much does Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) (generic)
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                  $4.11

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                  contraindications-icon

                  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

                  images

                  Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) images

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                  Brown Round 115 - Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride 200mg Tablet
                  This medicine is Brown, Round Tablet Imprinted With "115".Brown Round 115 - Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride 200mg Tablet

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  AZO Urinary Pain Relief. (n.d.). Recommend AZO Urinary Pain Relief.

                  Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2018). Phenazopyridine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                  Eastham, J. H., et al. (2023). Phenazopyridine. StatPearls.

                  View All References (6)

                  MedlinePlus. (2022). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

                  Method Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Phenazopyridine HCL 100mg [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Hemolytic anemia.

                  Richardson, S. R., et al. (2022). Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. StatPearls.

                  ScienceDirect. (2016). Azo dye. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry.

                  Singh, M., et al. (2014). Phenazopyridine associated acute interstitial nephritis and review of literature. Renal Failure.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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