Pyridium (Phenazopyridine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

May 26, 2012

Pyridium

Interstitial Cystitis »

Overview of urinary function

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys, a pair of purplish-brown organs, are located below the ribs toward the middle of the back. The kidneys remove water and waste from the blood in the form of urine, keeping a stable balance of salts and other substances in the blood. The kidneys also produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the formation of red blood cells. Narrow tubes called ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, a triangle-shaped, muscular chamber in the lower abdomen. Like a balloon, the bladder's muscular, elastic walls relax and expand to store urine and contract and flatten when urine is emptied through the urethra. The typical adult bladder can store about 1 ½ cups of urine.

Adults urinate about 1 ½ quarts of urine each day. The amount of urine varies depending on the fluids and foods a person consumes. The volume...

Read the Interstitial Cystitis article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Pyridium User Reviews >>

Pyridium

Take the UTI Quiz

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Slideshow Pictures

Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures

font size

Pyridium®
(phenazopyridine HCl) Tablets, USP

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Pyridium® (phenazopyridine hydrochloride) is chemically designated 2,6-Pyridinediamine, 3-(phenylazo), monohydrochloride. It is a urinary tract analgesic agent for oral administration. Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride tablets contain 100 mg or 200 mg Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride. Also contains lactose hydrous, sodium starch glycolate, corn starch, hydrogenated vegetable oil, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, sugar, gelatin, FD&C red #40 aluminum lake, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue #2 aluminum lake, povidone, sodium benzoate, carnauba wax and white wax.

Pyridium® (Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride) structural formula illustration

C₁₁H₁₁N₅ • HCl M.W. 249.70

What are the possible side effects of phenazopyridine?

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

Stop using phenazopyridine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

pale skin, fever, confusion or weakness;
jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
urinating less than usual or not at all;
drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Pyridium »

What are the precautions when taking phenazopyridine (Pyridium)?

Before taking phenazopyridine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, blood disorders (e.g., G6PD deficiency, hemolytic anemia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic...

Read All Potential Precautions of Pyridium »

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/22/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.