How does AZO Urinary Pain Relief work. What are the common side effects of this medication. Can it be used during pregnancy. How long should you take AZO Urinary Pain Relief. What precautions should be taken when using this medication.

Understanding AZO Urinary Pain Relief

AZO Urinary Pain Relief, also known by its generic name phenazopyridine, is a medication designed to alleviate urinary discomfort. It primarily targets the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra, to provide relief from various urinary symptoms.

Primary Uses of AZO Urinary Pain Relief

This medication is commonly used to address several urinary symptoms, including:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Increased frequency of urination
• Heightened urge to urinate

These symptoms can be triggered by various factors such as infections, injuries, surgical procedures, catheter use, or other conditions that irritate the bladder.

Important Considerations

Is AZO Urinary Pain Relief a cure for urinary tract infections. No, it’s crucial to understand that while this medication alleviates symptoms, it does not treat the underlying cause of a urinary tract infection (UTI). If prescribed an antibiotic for a UTI, it’s essential to complete the full course alongside AZO Urinary Pain Relief for comprehensive treatment.

Precautions and Contraindications

Before considering AZO Urinary Pain Relief, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions and contraindications:

• Kidney disease: Individuals with kidney disease should not use this medication.
• Allergies: Those allergic to phenazopyridine should avoid its use.
• Pregnancy: While classified as FDA pregnancy category B, meaning it’s not expected to harm an unborn baby, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before use during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: The effects on nursing infants are not well-established, necessitating medical advice before use.

Proper Usage and Dosage

How should AZO Urinary Pain Relief be taken. The medication should be used exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Here are some key points to remember:

• Take after meals
• Maintain adequate hydration while using the medication
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use
• Typically, it should not be used for more than 2 days unless directed by a doctor

Effects on Urine Color

One notable effect of AZO Urinary Pain Relief is the change in urine color. It typically turns urine orange or red, which is a normal and harmless effect. However, this coloration can stain fabrics, including underwear, sometimes permanently.

Potential Side Effects and Interactions

While AZO Urinary Pain Relief is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals. What are the common side effects of this medication?

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach

More severe side effects, though rare, may include:

• Reduced urination or difficulty urinating
• Swelling or rapid weight gain
• Confusion or loss of appetite
• Pain in the side or lower back
• Fever, pale or yellowed skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blue or purple skin discoloration

If any of these severe side effects occur, it’s crucial to discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Interactions

AZO Urinary Pain Relief may interact with other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It’s essential to inform all healthcare providers about all medications being used to prevent potential interactions.

Special Considerations for Contact Lens Wearers

Can AZO Urinary Pain Relief affect contact lenses? Yes, this medication can permanently stain soft contact lenses. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid wearing soft contact lenses while using AZO Urinary Pain Relief.

Impact on Medical Tests

AZO Urinary Pain Relief can affect the results of certain urine tests. It’s important to inform any healthcare provider conducting tests that this medication is being used to ensure accurate interpretation of results.

Storage and Handling

How should AZO Urinary Pain Relief be stored? To maintain its efficacy and safety, store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While AZO Urinary Pain Relief can provide significant relief from urinary discomfort, there are instances when professional medical attention is necessary. These include:

• Symptoms persisting beyond 2 days of treatment
• Development of fever or chills
• Appearance of blood in the urine
• Experiencing severe pain in the lower back or side
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

In these cases, it’s crucial to discontinue use of the medication and consult a healthcare provider promptly.

Monitoring for Improvement

How can you tell if AZO Urinary Pain Relief is working? Most users experience relief from urinary discomfort within a day or two of starting the medication. If symptoms don’t improve or worsen after 48 hours, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider, as this could indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring different treatment.

Alternative Treatments and Complementary Approaches

While AZO Urinary Pain Relief can be effective for many individuals, some may seek alternative or complementary approaches to manage urinary discomfort. These may include:

• Increasing fluid intake, particularly water, to help flush out the urinary system
• Consuming cranberry juice or supplements, which may help prevent urinary tract infections in some individuals
• Practicing good hygiene habits, such as wiping from front to back after using the bathroom
• Avoiding irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods that can exacerbate urinary discomfort
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for general pain relief

It’s important to note that while these approaches may provide some relief, they should not replace medical treatment when necessary, especially in cases of suspected urinary tract infections.

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to medication and alternative treatments, certain lifestyle modifications may help reduce the frequency and severity of urinary discomfort:

• Urinating regularly and completely, avoiding holding urine for extended periods
• Wearing breathable, cotton underwear
• Avoiding tight-fitting pants or undergarments
• Maintaining proper hygiene, including cleaning the genital area before and after sexual activity
• For women, considering switching from tampons to pads during menstruation

These lifestyle changes, when combined with appropriate medical treatment, can contribute to overall urinary health and comfort.

Understanding the Limitations of AZO Urinary Pain Relief

While AZO Urinary Pain Relief can be highly effective in managing urinary discomfort, it’s crucial to understand its limitations. What are some key points to remember about this medication?

• It’s a symptom reliever, not a cure for underlying conditions
• It should not be used as a substitute for antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections
• Long-term use is not recommended without medical supervision
• It may mask symptoms of more serious conditions if used inappropriately

Understanding these limitations helps ensure the safe and effective use of AZO Urinary Pain Relief as part of a comprehensive approach to urinary health.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis

Why is a proper diagnosis crucial when experiencing urinary symptoms? While AZO Urinary Pain Relief can provide temporary relief, it’s essential to identify and address the root cause of urinary discomfort. This may involve:

• Urine tests to check for infections or other abnormalities
• Physical examinations to rule out structural issues
• In some cases, imaging studies like ultrasounds or CT scans

A thorough diagnosis ensures that the most appropriate treatment plan is implemented, which may include AZO Urinary Pain Relief as part of a broader therapeutic approach.

Special Populations and AZO Urinary Pain Relief

Certain populations may require special consideration when using AZO Urinary Pain Relief:

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication and may require closer monitoring for side effects. Additionally, because kidney function often declines with age, dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Children

The safety and efficacy of AZO Urinary Pain Relief in children have not been well-established. Pediatric use should only occur under strict medical supervision.

Individuals with Liver Impairment

While primarily processed by the kidneys, the liver also plays a role in metabolizing this medication. Patients with liver disease may need dosage adjustments or alternative treatments.

Patients with G6PD Deficiency

Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency may be at higher risk for hemolytic anemia when using this medication and should consult their healthcare provider before use.

These special considerations underscore the importance of personalized medical advice when considering the use of AZO Urinary Pain Relief.

The Role of AZO Urinary Pain Relief in Overall Urinary Health

How does AZO Urinary Pain Relief fit into a comprehensive approach to urinary health? While it provides valuable symptomatic relief, it’s important to view it as part of a broader strategy that includes:

• Preventive measures to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and other urinary issues
• Regular check-ups with healthcare providers to monitor urinary health
• Prompt treatment of underlying conditions that may cause urinary symptoms
• Education about proper urinary hygiene and habits

By understanding the role of AZO Urinary Pain Relief within this larger context, individuals can make informed decisions about its use and work effectively with their healthcare providers to maintain optimal urinary health.

Long-term Urinary Health Strategies

While AZO Urinary Pain Relief provides short-term symptom management, what strategies can promote long-term urinary health?

• Maintaining proper hydration by drinking adequate water throughout the day
• Practicing good genital hygiene to prevent bacterial growth
• Urinating before and after sexual activity to flush out potential bacteria
• Incorporating foods rich in vitamin C and probiotics into the diet to support urinary tract health
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes that can impact urinary health
• Engaging in regular physical activity to promote overall health, including urinary function

These long-term strategies, combined with appropriate use of medications like AZO Urinary Pain Relief when needed, can contribute to sustained urinary health and comfort.

Future Developments in Urinary Discomfort Management

As medical research continues to advance, what potential developments might we see in the management of urinary discomfort? While AZO Urinary Pain Relief remains a valuable tool, ongoing research is exploring new avenues for treatment and prevention:

• Development of new medications with fewer side effects and broader efficacy
• Advancements in understanding the microbiome of the urinary tract and its role in health and disease
• Exploration of natural compounds that may provide relief from urinary symptoms
• Improved diagnostic tools for faster and more accurate identification of urinary issues
• Personalized medicine approaches that tailor treatments to individual patient profiles

These potential developments highlight the dynamic nature of urinary health management and the importance of staying informed about new options and research findings.

The Importance of Patient Education

Why is patient education crucial in the context of urinary health and the use of medications like AZO Urinary Pain Relief? Informed patients are better equipped to:

• Recognize early signs of urinary issues
• Make appropriate decisions about when to seek medical care
• Use medications like AZO Urinary Pain Relief safely and effectively
• Implement preventive strategies to maintain urinary health
• Communicate effectively with healthcare providers about their symptoms and concerns

By prioritizing patient education, healthcare providers can empower individuals to take an active role in managing their urinary health, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of urinary discomfort episodes.

Integrating AZO Urinary Pain Relief into a Holistic Health Approach

How can AZO Urinary Pain Relief be integrated into a holistic approach to health? While it provides targeted relief for urinary symptoms, it’s important to consider its use within the broader context of overall well-being:

• Stress management: Chronic stress can impact urinary health, making stress reduction techniques valuable complements to medication
• Nutritional support: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can support urinary tract health
• Sleep hygiene: Adequate sleep is crucial for immune function and overall health, potentially reducing susceptibility to urinary issues
• Regular exercise: Physical activity can promote circulation and support overall urinary system function
• Mind-body practices: Techniques like meditation or yoga may help manage pain and discomfort associated with urinary symptoms

By considering these holistic factors alongside the use of AZO Urinary Pain Relief, individuals can develop a comprehensive strategy for managing urinary health and overall well-being.

The Role of Support Systems

Why are support systems important when dealing with chronic or recurrent urinary issues? Having a strong support network can:

• Provide emotional support during uncomfortable or painful episodes
• Help with practical aspects of managing symptoms and treatment
• Encourage adherence to treatment plans and healthy lifestyle choices
• Offer valuable perspectives and shared experiences
• Reduce feelings of isolation that can sometimes accompany chronic health issues

Encouraging patients to build and maintain supportive relationships can be an important aspect of comprehensive urinary health management.

AZO Urinary Pain Relief Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

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Generic name: phenazopyridine [ fen-AY-zoe-PIR-i-deen ]
Brand names: AZO Urinary Pain Relief, Azo-Gesic, Azo-Standard, Baridium, Prodium,
… show all 8 brands
Pyridium, Re-Azo, Uricalm

Drug class: Miscellaneous genitourinary tract agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is AZO Urinary Pain Relief?

AZO Urinary Pain Relief is a pain reliever that affects the lower part of your urinary tract (bladder and urethra).

AZO Urinary Pain Relief 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.

AZO Urinary Pain Relief 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.

AZO Urinary Pain Relief may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use AZO Urinary Pain Relief if you have kidney disease.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use AZO Urinary Pain Relief if you are allergic to it, or if you have kidney disease.

To make sure AZO Urinary Pain Relief is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

FDA pregnancy category B. AZO Urinary Pain Relief is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use AZO Urinary Pain Relief 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.

How should I take AZO Urinary Pain Relief?

Use 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.

Take AZO Urinary Pain Relief after meals.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking AZO Urinary Pain Relief.

AZO Urinary Pain Relief will most likely darken the color of your urine to an orange or red color. This is a normal effect and is not harmful. Darkened urine may also cause stains to your underwear that may be permanent.

AZO Urinary Pain Relief can also permanently stain soft contact lenses, and you should not wear them while taking this medicine.

Do not use AZO Urinary Pain Relief for longer than 2 days unless your doctor has told you to.

This medication can cause unusual results with urine tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using AZO Urinary Pain Relief.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking AZO Urinary Pain Relief?

Do not use this medication while wearing soft contact lenses. AZO Urinary Pain Relief can permanently discolor soft contact lenses.

AZO Urinary Pain Relief side effects

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.

AZO Urinary Pain Relief may cause serious side effects. Stop using AZO Urinary Pain Relief 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 of AZO Urinary Pain Relief 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.

What other drugs will affect AZO Urinary Pain Relief?

Other drugs may interact with phenazopyridine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Frequently asked questions

• Why do you not take phenazopyridine for more than two days?

More about Azo Urinary Pain Relief (phenazopyridine)

• Check interactions
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• Reviews (16)
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• Dosage information
• During pregnancy
• Drug class: miscellaneous genitourinary tract agents
• Breastfeeding
• En español

Patient resources

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Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Interstitial Cystitis
• Dysuria

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.05.

Azo-Standard (Phenazopyridine) – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

By Julie Lynn MarksMedically Reviewed by Kara Leigh Smythe, MD

Reviewed: December 10, 2020

Phenazopyridine is a medicine that’s used to relieve symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which may include burning, pain, irritation, frequent urination, and an increased urge to urinate.

This medicine may also be given to treat urinary symptoms after a surgery, injury, or medical procedure.

It’s sold in both an over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription form.

Phenazopyridine is a pain reliever and won’t treat a UTI. You should also take an antibiotic if your doctor prescribes one.

uses

What is Azo-Standard (Phenazopyridine) used for?

• Dysuria

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Azo-Standard (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; 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-Standard (Phenazopyridine)?

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-Standard (Phenazopyridine) 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-Standard (Phenazopyridine)?

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

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Azo-Standard (Phenazopyridine)?

Use Azo-Standard (Phenazopyridine) 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-Standard (Phenazopyridine)?

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-Standard (Phenazopyridine)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Azo-Standard (Phenazopyridine),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Azo-Standard (Phenazopyridine), call 911

911

What to Expect

Phenazopyridine is only used to provide symptom relief and make you more comfortable; the medicine won’t accelerate your recovery.

Your doctor may prescribe phenazopyridine along with an antibiotic.

Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen while taking phenazopyridine.

Secondary Uses

Phenazopyridine may be used for conditions not listed in this guide.

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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. 

Space toilet: urine recycled into drinking water

• Richard Hollingham
• BBC Future

10 June 2015

in events.

Photo copyright, Richard Hollingham

Photo caption,

Jennifer Pruitt is a lead engineer in converting urine into drinking water, a position she loves

In addition to its primary function, a toilet aboard the International Space Station (ISS) provides crew drinking water. But so far, the cleaning system is not working as well as planned. Correspondent
BBC Future investigated the issue.

Jennifer Pruitt has perhaps one of the most unusual positions in the US space agency NASA, if not in the entire space industry.

She is the lead engineer for converting urine into drinking water.

“A job title is one of the things I love about my job,” says Pruitt, proudly speaking. “There aren’t many people in the world who deal with this problem.”

Pruitt is working on improving the water recovery system aboard the ISS. Its laboratory is located at the George Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Pruitt’s challenge is to find the most efficient way to convert astronaut urine into drinking water.

(Similar articles from the “Journal” section)

Our urine is 95% water (the rest is waste products of the body). The more water that can be reclaimed from urine flowing into the two toilets aboard the ISS, the less it will need to be transported from Earth on costly cargo flights.

There is a small display in the reception area at the entrance to Pruitt’s lab. On the shelf are bottles of urine, varying in color – from the usual light yellow to brown and even black.

Russian urine with additives

To my surprise, the liquid in the bottle labeled “Pretreated American Urine” is much lighter than in the bottle of Russian urine next to it.

I am wondering what is the reason for this difference.

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“The Russians are fine,” Pruitt reassures me. “Their urine is no different from ours.”

The ink black liquid is actually not pure Russian urine, but with the addition of chemicals used in the processing of urine.

“We can’t use urine in the form supplied by the ISS crew for regeneration,” explains Pruitt.

This pre-treatment is just the beginning of a complex process used by NASA to reclaim water aboard the ISS. The moisture filtered from the air inside the station is added to the water extracted from the urine – mainly in the form of sweat from astronauts. This liquid is then converted into drinking water. According to NASA calculations, during a 12-month expedition, each member of the ISS crew should, on average, have 730 liters of drinking water regenerated from urine and sweat.

Abnormal blockages

But there is one problem. While the sweat water extraction system works as expected (virtually all the moisture in the air is recycled), the performance of the urine treatment system has not yet been as expected. In the ground laboratory, the productivity is 85%, that is, only 15% of the water contained in the urine is irretrievably lost. But on board the ISS, only 75% can be extracted.

Image copyright, Science Photo Library

Image caption,

Periodic blockages cause ISS crews to spend time repairing toilets

“Calcium is leached from the bones of astronauts in space. We did not take into account in our calculations exactly how it is excreted from the body,” says Pruitt. “As it turns out, a significant part of the calcium lost is excreted in the urine.”

This means that the urine of astronauts in space has a different chemical composition than the urine of volunteers from the Marshall Center, which NASA specialists work with on Earth.

“It has been found that the high calcium content in the urine reacts with the chemicals used to treat it,” says Pruitt.

One can imagine all the drama of such a situation – a company of six people in a closed space at a distance of 400 km above the Earth’s surface and … with a non-working bathroom. Due to periodic blockages, ISS crews have to spend time repairing toilets, and more water is delivered to the ISS than originally planned.

But Pruitt’s team found a solution to this problem. By changing the composition of the chemicals used to treat urine, the researchers hope to improve the efficiency of the ISS’s water regeneration system.

To test the new chemistry, Pruitt has a working model of the system laid out on a table in the giant hangar at the Marshall Center, where NASA develops and tests life support systems. A banner hanging from one of the beams under the roof informs visitors that the lab has been “saving the lives of astronauts since 1973”.

How the purification system works

The urine treatment system, a two-dimensional replica of the one in orbit, is a tangle of pipes, pumps, and wires connected to a huge tank of pre-treated, cola-like urine. Pruitt tells me about how the gurgling machine works.

“The whole system is laid out horizontally to minimize the effect of gravity,” she explains. “Pumps work like the esophagus, contracting to force fluid through the system.”

Image copyright, Science Photo Library

Image caption,

Astronauts in space leach calcium out of their bones

We watch urine move through one of the transparent tubes to the largest vessel in the entire system, about the size of a home oven. The vacuum pump draws air out of the tank. When the pressure inside the vessel decreases, the boiling point of the liquid drops. This means that water can be excreted from the urine without heating it.

The liquid remaining after the primary distillation is sent back to the system in order to extract the maximum amount of water from it. As a result of the process, concentrated salty sediment and pure water are formed. On board the ISS, the sediment is packaged and placed along with the rest of the debris in a used cargo ship, which then burns up upon re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. And the resulting water can be drunk again.

“This is the purest water,” says Pruitt. “It is purer than any water available on Earth.”

However, before astronauts can taste this ultra-pure water, it is further processed to prevent the spread of bacteria. Iodine is added to the water, which gives it a slight hospital flavor. “It’s not that terrible, it just takes some getting used to,” says Pruitt.

In just a few months – after a series of tests – NASA engineers expect to introduce a new formula of chemicals to the ISS. Thus, they hope, it will be possible to bring the volume of water regenerated in space to the laboratory level.

In the meantime, Pruitt’s team continues to improve the system.

“Despite years of working with urine, it’s still a very interesting job,” she says.

Read
the original of this article in English is available on the website
BBC Future .

What does the color of urine say about health?

Even if the color of your urine changes every day, it should not be taken lightly.

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You can self-diagnose by looking at the color of your own urine. But even if this knowledge is only for information, the final diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after studying laboratory tests.

Contents of the article

What is urine for and what is it made of?

Urine is a waste product of the body’s metabolism that is produced in the kidneys. It is the end product of a complex process in which the kidneys filter gallons of blood daily to rid it of toxins. The result is urine.

A healthy person excretes 1.5 to 2 liters of urine daily. Thus, the body also regulates the balance of fluid and electrolytes (salts such as sodium and potassium). Normally, urine is 95% water. The remaining 5% is urea and acid, salts, hormones, water-soluble vitamins and dyes. In general, a healthy bladder can store up to one liter of fluid. But most of us already feel the need to empty the bladder if it is one-third full.

What makes urine so yellow?

The yellowish color is due to the bile pigment bilirubin. It is formed due to the natural breakdown of the red blood pigment (hemoglobin). Bilirubin is mainly excreted in the feces, but a minimal part of it is also excreted in the urine.

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( Read also: Why do we sweat at night and what disease can it be a symptom of?)

What does the color of urine indicate? What color of urine is dangerous?

Clear and colorless urine

No danger. Urine becomes clear when it is very dilute. This suggests that you are obviously paying more attention to your fluid intake. However: if you are still thirsty, this could be a sign of diabetes.

Light yellow urine

Very good. You are well hydrated.

Yellow urine

Everything is fine here too. There are no signs of illness. Urine color is still within normal limits. But take a bottle of water when you get the chance.

Dark yellow urine

This color often occurs in the morning. Because you drink little or no water at night, urea becomes very concentrated. The result is dark yellow urine. In summer, this coloration can also occur during the day, because then we sweat a lot and often do not drink enough fluids. You are not sick. But be sure to drink a large glass of water.

Cloudy yellow urine

See a doctor, consult a specialist. If the urine is cloudy, a bacterial infection is strongly suspected.

Dark yellow to orange urine

This may be due to too much bilirubin in the urine. Possible cause: damage to the liver or obstruction of the outflow of bile (for example, due to gallstones). You may also have jaundice or certain medications (antibiotics). Contact a urologist.

Brown urine

Urine may contain blood. This is a sign of an infection or even a tumor. Consult a doctor! Brown urine can also appear during a fever or severe dehydration.

Reddish urine

Blood may be the cause. But there is no reason to panic. Traces of blood in urine are very difficult to see with the naked eye. More often than not, the cause is something harmless: foods like beets, blueberries, or rhubarb can turn your urine reddish. Medications also affect urine color and smell.

Light green to neon yellow urine

Do you take nutritional supplements? They can turn your urine into a bright waterfall. If you also experience pain or thick urine, this is a symptom of a urinary tract infection.