What is AZO Urinary Pain Relief used for. How does phenazopyridine work to alleviate urinary symptoms. What are the potential side effects and precautions when taking this medication. Is AZO safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. How should you take AZO Urinary Pain Relief for optimal results.

Understanding AZO Urinary Pain Relief and Its Active Ingredient

AZO Urinary Pain Relief is an over-the-counter medication primarily used to alleviate urinary discomfort. Its active ingredient, phenazopyridine, is a urinary analgesic that specifically targets the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra. This medication is designed to provide relief from symptoms such as pain, burning sensation, increased urination frequency, and heightened urge to urinate.

These symptoms can be caused by various factors, including:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Injury to the urinary system
• Recent surgery
• Catheter use
• Other conditions that irritate the bladder

It’s crucial to understand that while AZO Urinary Pain Relief can effectively manage symptoms, it does not treat the underlying cause of urinary discomfort, such as a UTI. For this reason, it’s often used in conjunction with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider to address the root cause of the symptoms.

How Does Phenazopyridine Work in the Body?

Phenazopyridine functions as a local analgesic, providing targeted relief to the urinary tract. Upon ingestion, it is rapidly excreted into the urine, where it exerts its pain-relieving effects. The medication works by coating the urinary tract lining, helping to soothe irritation and reduce discomfort.

Is phenazopyridine an antibiotic? No, phenazopyridine is not an antibiotic. It solely focuses on symptom relief and does not possess antimicrobial properties. This is why it’s essential to take any prescribed antibiotics alongside AZO Urinary Pain Relief if you’re dealing with a urinary tract infection.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism by which phenazopyridine alleviates urinary symptoms is not fully understood. However, it’s believed to have a local anesthetic effect on the urinary tract mucosa, effectively numbing the area and reducing pain perception.

Indications and Usage Guidelines for AZO Urinary Pain Relief

AZO Urinary Pain Relief is indicated for the temporary relief of urinary tract discomfort caused by irritation or infection. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage and usage guidelines to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

Recommended Dosage

The typical recommended dosage for adults is:

• 200 mg (1 tablet) 3 times daily after meals
• Do not exceed 600 mg (3 tablets) in 24 hours
• Take for no more than 2 days without consulting a healthcare provider

Always follow the instructions provided on the product label or as directed by your healthcare provider. Taking more than the recommended dose will not improve symptom relief and may increase the risk of side effects.

Duration of Use

How long can you safely take AZO Urinary Pain Relief? It’s generally recommended to use this medication for no more than two days without consulting a healthcare provider. If symptoms persist beyond this timeframe, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, as it may indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring different treatment.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

While AZO Urinary Pain Relief is generally well-tolerated, it can cause some side effects. Being aware of these potential effects can help users make informed decisions about their treatment.

Common Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of phenazopyridine include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Orange or reddish discoloration of urine

The discoloration of urine is a harmless effect caused by the excretion of the medication and should not be a cause for concern. However, it’s important to be aware that it may stain fabrics, including clothing and contact lenses.

Serious Side Effects

Although rare, some users may experience more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Little or no urination
• Sudden swelling or rapid weight gain
• Confusion or loss of appetite
• Pain in the side or lower back
• Fever accompanied by pale or yellowed skin
• Stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
• Blue or purple skin discoloration

If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use of the medication and seek immediate medical care.

Precautions and Contraindications for AZO Urinary Pain Relief

Before using AZO Urinary Pain Relief, it’s essential to consider certain precautions and contraindications to ensure safe usage.

Who Should Not Use This Medication?

Phenazopyridine is contraindicated in individuals with:

• Known allergy to phenazopyridine
• Kidney disease
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

Additionally, caution should be exercised in patients with liver disease or diabetes. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using this medication if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Drug Interactions

While phenazopyridine has limited known drug interactions, it’s always prudent to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking. This helps prevent potential interactions and ensures the safe use of AZO Urinary Pain Relief alongside other treatments.

AZO Urinary Pain Relief During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The safety of phenazopyridine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is an important consideration for many users. Understanding the current recommendations can help individuals make informed decisions about using this medication during these sensitive periods.

Pregnancy

AZO Urinary Pain Relief is classified as FDA pregnancy category B, which means that animal reproduction studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. While phenazopyridine is not expected to harm an unborn baby, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using this medication during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Can you take AZO Urinary Pain Relief while breastfeeding? The current data on the safety of phenazopyridine during breastfeeding is limited. It’s not known whether the medication passes into breast milk or if it could potentially harm a nursing infant. As a precautionary measure, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Proper Use and Storage of AZO Urinary Pain Relief

To ensure the effectiveness and safety of AZO Urinary Pain Relief, it’s important to use and store the medication properly.

Administration Tips

• Take the medication with or after meals to reduce stomach upset
• Drink plenty of water while using this medication to help flush out the urinary system
• Do not chew or crush the tablets; swallow them whole with a full glass of water
• Avoid wearing soft contact lenses while taking this medication, as it can permanently discolor them

Storage Guidelines

To maintain the quality and effectiveness of AZO Urinary Pain Relief:

• Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat
• Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiration date printed on the package

Proper storage ensures that the medication remains stable and effective throughout its shelf life.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While AZO Urinary Pain Relief can provide temporary symptom relief, it’s crucial to recognize when professional medical care is necessary.

Red Flags

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Symptoms that persist for more than 2 days despite using the medication
• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Back pain
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Any of the serious side effects mentioned earlier

These symptoms may indicate a more severe condition that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Follow-up Care

Even if symptoms improve with AZO Urinary Pain Relief, it’s important to follow up with a healthcare provider if you suspect a urinary tract infection. They can perform the necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatment if needed.

Remember, while AZO Urinary Pain Relief can provide much-needed comfort, it’s not a substitute for proper medical care. Always consult with a healthcare professional for persistent or severe urinary symptoms to ensure comprehensive treatment and prevent potential complications.

AZO Urinary Pain Relief – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Reviewed: June 23, 2020

Phenazopyridine is a pain reliever that affects the lower part of your urinary tract (bladder and urethra).

Phenazopyridine is used to treat urinary symptoms such as pain or burning, increased urination, and increased urge to urinate. These symptoms can be caused by infection, injury, surgery, catheter, or other conditions that irritate the bladder.

Phenazopyridine will treat urinary symptoms, but this medication will not treat a urinary tract infection.. Take any antibiotic that your doctor prescribes to treat an infection.

Phenazopyridine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral) used for?

• Dysuria

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral)?

You should not use phenazopyridine if you are allergic to it, or if you have kidney disease.

To make sure phenazopyridine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;
• diabetes; or
• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

FDA pregnancy category B. Phenazopyridine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether phenazopyridine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral)?

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

Stop using phenazopyridine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• little or no urinating;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• confusion, loss of appetite, pain in your side or lower back;
• fever, pale or yellowed skin, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting; or
• blue or purple appearance of your skin.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness; or
• upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

B

No evidence of risk in humans

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

FDA pregnancy category B. Phenazopyridine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether phenazopyridine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral)?

Do not use this medication while wearing soft contact lenses. Phenazopyridine can permanently discolor soft contact lenses.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral)?

Use AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

What should I do if I missed a dose of AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking AZO Urinary Pain Relief (Oral), call 911

911

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Medical Disclaimer

Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health. 

Azo Urinary Tract Defense and Other OTC UTI Relief

Table of Contents

• What Is Azo Urinary Tract Defense?
• What Does Azo Urinary Tract Defense Do?
• Can AZO Urinary Tract Defense get rid of a UTI?
• What other OTC UTI relief is available?
• Are OTC urinary tract infection drugs safe?
• Why you should choose Forward for UTI treatment

When the burning, pressure, and strong urge to use the bathroom associated with a UTI strikes, your first thought is likely how to put a stop to those uncomfortable symptoms. Over-the-counter UTI relief products can alleviate your symptoms, and there are several to choose from, including Azo Urinary Tract Defense.

What Is Azo Urinary Tract Defense?

Azo Urinary Tract Defense is a brand-name medication that you can purchase over the counter without a doctor’s prescription. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug for alleviating UTI symptoms but not as a treatment for urinary tract infections.

What Does Azo Urinary Tract Defense Do?

Azo Urinary Tract Defense contains two key ingredients:

• Methenamine belongs to the anti-infective class of drugs. It works in two ways. First, it inhibits the growth of bacteria in urine to slow down the spread of the infection. At the same time, it lowers the pH of urine, making it more acidic so bacteria can’t thrive.
• Sodium salicylate belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class of medications. It interferes with the body’s ability to produce certain chemicals that play a role in inflammation and pain sensation. As a result, it alleviates pain associated with urinary tract infections.

Can AZO Urinary Tract Defense get rid of a UTI?

No, AZO Urinary Tract Defense does not cure a urinary tract infection. Its purpose is to keep you comfortable and to control the infection until you can see your primary care provider. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic medication capable of eliminating the bacteria responsible for the infection.

What other OTC UTI relief is available?

Another medication that you can consider for UTI relief is phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Hcl). It is the key ingredient in many over-the-counter urinary tract infection products, such as:

• AZO Urinary Pain Relief
• AZO Urinary Pain Relief Maximum Strength
• Uristat Ultra Pain Relief Tablet
• Generic store brand UTI relief medications

Phenazopyridine Hcl is an azo dye that works as a topical pain reliever. When you take an over-the-counter medication that contains it, the drug enters the lower urinary tract and temporarily desensitizes the area. This alleviates the burning, pressure, and urgency symptoms of a UTI. As a side effect, the drug turns urine a bright orange-yellow color. Although the appearance of dyed urine may be alarming, the effect is harmless and will resolve when you stop taking the medication.

Like Azo Urinary Tract Defense, OTC medicines that contain phenazopyridine Hcl are not cures for UTIs. They can only lessen the severity of symptoms, so you feel better while you make arrangements to see your doctor for an antibiotic prescription. 

Are OTC urinary tract infection drugs safe?

Over-the-counter drugs for urinary tract infections are generally safe for most people. However, if you have certain medical conditions or are pregnant or nursing, you may not be able to take these medications. Always read the warnings printed on the packaging. Consult your primary care physician if you’re unsure about taking any OTC drug.

Why you should choose Forward for UTI treatment

While it’s possible for the immune system to clear up an infection on its own, antibiotic treatment is the best way to cure an infection and reduce the risk of complications, such as a serious kidney infection. Forward makes it simple to deal with UTIs by giving you the ability to quickly schedule a virtual or in-person appointment. As your primary care provider, we do more than just prescribe medication to treat the infection. Our one-on-one personalized care also focuses on prevention, so you may experience fewer urinary tract infections in the future.

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Pyridium (Phenazopyridine) Side Effects, Pictures, Usage, Dosage, Overdose in RxList

• Generic Name: Phenazopyridine
• Brand Name: Pyridium

• Pictures and Side Effects
• How take
• Avoid taking

Information for patients with pyridium, including side effects

Trade names: AZO, urinary analgesic, maximum analgesic when urinating with maximum force, Uristat, Urodol, Urogesic, Viridium

Generic name: phenazopyridine

• What is phenazopyridine?
• What are the possible side effects of phenazopyridine?
• What is the most important information I should know about phenazopyridine?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking phenazopyridine?
• How do I take phenazopyridine?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking phenazopyridine?
• What other drugs will affect phenazopyridine?
• Where can I get more information?

What is phenazopyridine?

long-term side effects of percocet

Phenazopyridine is an analgesic that acts on the lower part of the urinary tract (bladder and urethra).

Phenazopyridine is used to treat urinary symptoms such as pain or burning, more frequent urination, and an increased urge to urinate. These symptoms can be caused by infection, trauma, surgery, a catheter, or other conditions that irritate the bladder.

Phenazopyridine treats urinary symptoms, but this drug does not treat urinary tract infection. . Take any antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to treat the infection.

Phenazopyridine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of phenazopyridine?

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

Stop using phenazopyridine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• little or no urination;
• edema, rapid weight gain;
• confusion, loss of appetite, pain in the side or lower back;
• fever, pallor or yellowing of the skin, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting; or
• the blue or purple look of your skin.

Common side effects may include:

• Headache;
• dizziness; or
• indigestion.

This is not a complete list of side effects and they may occur. Ask your doctor about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about phenazopyridine?

You should not use phenazopyridine if you have kidney disease.

Information for patients with pyridium, including how I should take it

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking phenazopyridine?

You should not use phenazopyridine if you are allergic to it or if you have kidney disease.

To make sure phenazopyridine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;
• diabetes mellitus; or
• a genetic deficiency of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD).

FDA pregnancy category B. Phenazopyridine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant without your doctor’s advice.

Side effects of white willow bark

It is not known whether phenazopyridine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medicine without your doctor’s advice if you are breastfeeding a baby.

How do I take phenazopyridine?

Use exactly as directed on the label or as directed by your healthcare professional. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take phenazopyridine after meals.

Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking phenazopyridine.

Phenazopyridine will likely darken your urine to orange or red. This is a normal effect and is not harmful. Darkened urine can also stain underwear, which can be permanent.

Phenazopyridine can also permanently stain soft contact lenses and you should not wear them while taking this medicine.

Do not use phenazopyridine for more than 2 days unless your doctor has told you to.

This medicine may cause unusual results in a urine test. Tell any doctor that you are taking phenazopyridine.

what fexofenadine hydrochloride is used for

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Information for patients with pyridium, including the missed dose

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it’s time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking phenazopyridine?

Do not use this medication while wearing soft contact lenses. Phenazopyridine may permanently discolor soft contact lenses.

what is used to treat Multaq

What other drugs will affect phenazopyridine?

Other drugs may interact with phenazopyridine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medicines you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about phenazopyridine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only as directed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. is accurate, current and complete. (“Multum”), but no guarantees are given in this regard. The information contained herein about the drug may vary over time. Multum’s information has been collected for use by clinicians and consumers in the United States, and therefore Multum does not warrant that use outside of the United States is appropriate unless specifically stated otherwise. Multum’s Medication Information does not provide recommendations for medication, patient diagnosis, or recommend therapy. Multum Drug Information is an information resource designed to assist licensed practitioners in caring for their patients and/or serving consumers who view this service as an addition to, and not a substitute for, the experience, skills, knowledge, and judgment of practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination should in no way be construed as an indication that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or suitable for any given patient. Multum is not responsible for any aspects of health care managed by the information Multum provides. The information contained in this document is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or side effects. If you have any questions about the medicines you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2019 Cerner Multum, Inc.

Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute – branch of the Volgograd State Medical University

According to the Order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 434 dated April 28, 2012, on October 1, 2012, the reorganization of the state budgetary educational institution of higher professional education “Volgograd State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation and the state budgetary educational institution of higher professional education was completed “Pyatigorsk State Pharmaceutical Academy” of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation in the form of joining the second institution to the first one with subsequent formation of a separate subdivision (branch) on the basis of the affiliated institution.

It was determined that the full name of the branch of the university (the former Pyatigorsk State Pharmaceutical Academy), taking into account the division of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation into two ministries, is as follows:

Pyatigorsk Branch of the State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education “Volgograd State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation

Abbreviated name: “Pyatigorsk branch of GBOU VPO VolgGMU of the Ministry of Health of Russia” .

According to the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 51 dated February 04, 2013, changes are indicated that are being made to the charter of the state budgetary educational institution of higher professional education “Volgograd State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

In clause 1.10 paragraphs three and four shall be stated as follows:

“full name: Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute – branch of the state budgetary educational institution of higher professional education “Volgograd State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation “,

short name:

“ Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute – branch of GBOU VPO VolgGMU of the Ministry of Health of Russia “.

Renaming was made from 14.03.2013.

In accordance with the order of the University dated July 15, 2016 No. 1029-KM “On the introduction of a new edition of the Charter and changing the name of the University” from 07/13/2016 in connection with the renaming of the University count:

– with the full name of the University: federal state budgetary educational institution of higher education “Volgograd State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation;

– abbreviated name of the University: FSBEI HE VolgGMU of the Ministry of Health of Russia;

– with the full name of the branch of the University: Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute – branch of the federal state budgetary educational institution of higher education “Volgograd State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation;

– abbreviated name of the branch of the University: Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education VolgGMU of the Ministry of Health of Russia.