Drug Name

Pyridium (Phenazopyridine)

Drug Uses

Pyridium is used for relieving pain, burning, urgency, frequent urination, and discomfort caused by irritation of the lower urinary tract. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Pyridium as directed by your doctor.

• Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
• Take Haldol with a full glass of water.
• Haldol can be taken with or without food.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Pyridium is a urinary tract analgesic. Exactly how Pyridium works is not known. It is thought to work by relieving pain on the lining of the urinary tract.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Pyridium, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Pyridium at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Pyridium out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Pyridium if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Pyridium;
• you have decreased kidney function.

• Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than 2 days without checking with your doctor.
• Do not use Pyridium for future urinary tract problems without first checking with your doctor.
• Pyridium may change the color of your urine to orange or red. It may also stain fabric. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while taking Pyridium ; permanent staining of the lenses may occur.
• Pyridium may interfere with certain lab tests including urinalysis. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Pyridium.
• Use Pyridium with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Pyridium while you are pregnant. It is not known if Pyridium is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Pyridium, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; irritability; loss of appetite; nausea; nightmares; sweating; tiredness; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness; weight loss or gain.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; changes in sex drive; chest pain; confusion; decreased sexual ability; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; flushing; frequent or difficult urination; impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior; mental or mood changes (eg, increased anxiety, mood swings, agitation, irritability, nervousness, restlessness); numbness or tingling of the skin; panic attacks; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; sore throat; stomach pain; suicidal thinking or behavior; swelling of the testicles; tremor; trouble sleeping; trouble walking or keeping your balance; twitching of the face or tongue; uncontrolled movements or stiffness of arms and legs; unusual bleeding or bruising; worsening of depression; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Pyridium is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.