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)

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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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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 Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This medication is used to relieve symptoms caused by irritation of the urinary tract such as pain, burning, and the feeling of needing to urinate urgently or often. This drug does not treat the cause of the urinary irritation, but it can help relieve the symptoms while other treatments take effect. Phenazopyridine is a dye that works as a painkiller to soothe the lining of the urinary tract.

How to use Azo

Take this medication by mouth after meals, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking this medication along with antibiotics for symptoms related to a urinary tract infection, or are self-treating, do not take it for more than 2 days without talking to your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, bloody urine), stomach/abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, chills, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, blood disorders (such as G6PD deficiency, hemolytic anemia).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Phenazopyridine can dye your urine and tears orange-red. This may stain clothing and contact lenses. Do not wear contact lenses while using this medication. Urine and tears will return to normal color after the medication is stopped.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine tests for kidney function, bilirubin, and sugar levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Azo interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual tiredness, skin color changes, change in the amount of urine, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, yellowing skin/eyes, easy bleeding/bruising, or seizures.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not take it later for another pain-related condition of the urinary tract unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Today on WebMD

Why urine can change color and how to treat it?

Contents

• 1 Why can urine change color and how is it treated?
  • 1.1 What is urine?
  • 1.2 What colors can urine have?
  • 1.3 What factors influence the color of urine?
  • 1.4 What diseases can change the color of urine?
  • 1.5 What is hematuria and how does it affect urine color?
  • 1.6 What foods and medicines can change the color of urine?
  • 1.7 What symptoms should alert for a change in the color of urine?
  • 1.8 What tests and investigations are needed if the urine changes color?
  • 1. 9 Treatments for urine discoloration
  • 1.10 How can urine discoloration be associated with a metabolic disorder?
  • 1.11 How can a change in urine color indicate pregnancy?
  • 1.12 How can discoloration of urine be associated with diabetes and other diseases?
  • 1.13 The attitude of Ukrainian medicine to discoloration of urine
  • 1.14 Doctors’ advice for the health of the urinary tract
  • 1.15 How to prevent urinary tract problems?
  • 1.16 How to avoid dark urine during exercise?
  • 1.17 What should you do if you have symptoms of urine color change?
  • 1.18 Video on the topic:

The article will tell about the causes of the appearance of unusual colors of urine during staining, as well as methods for treating this phenomenon. Find out what diseases can lead to discoloration of urine and how to properly diagnose and treat this problem.

Urine is considered to be one of the most informative excretory products in the human body. The reason is changes in the color of urine, which can indicate a variety of diseases or pathological conditions. Performing a urinalysis is one of the first and most available tests when we are faced with a general malaise.

Urine may vary in color from light yellow to dark yellow, as well as shades of pink, red or brown. For each color of urine, there is a reason, which can be caused by both external factors and internal causes of the body. So, some shades of urine can be explained by the use of food or drugs, while others indicate the presence of a disease that needs to be treated.

However, it is not possible to diagnose the disease 100% by the color of the urine. To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a specialist and pass the necessary tests. We should not forget that maintaining the health of the genitourinary organs is the key to a long and happy life, so you should carefully monitor the color of urine and seek help in time if changes occur.

What is urine?

Urine is the fluid our kidneys secrete to remove waste and excess fluid from our body. It consists of water, urea, salts and other chemicals.

The color of urine may also change depending on the state of the organism. Usually, urine is yellow in color, but sometimes it can become darker or lighter, which may indicate the presence of certain diseases or other problems.

Therefore, if the color of the urine changes, it is necessary to consult a doctor to determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

What colors can urine have?

Normal urine of a healthy person should be yellow. However, the color of urine can change under the influence of various factors.

• Red urine may indicate the presence of blood in the urine, which may be due to various causes such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones or cancer.
• Brown urine may indicate the presence of bile pigments in the urine, which may indicate problems with the liver or biliary tract.
• Green or blue urine may be associated with certain foods, drugs or supplements, or with certain genetic disorders.
• White urine may be due to the presence of protein in the urine, which may indicate problems with the kidneys or urinary tract.
• Pink or purple urine may be due to certain medications or genetic disorders.

If you experience changes in the color of your urine or other unusual symptoms, be sure to see your doctor for advice and treatment.

What factors influence the color of urine?

Hydration: The level of hydration plays an important role in changing the color of urine. Insufficient water intake can lead to the concentration of urine color and its darkening. Also, drinking a lot of fluids can dilute the urine and make it lighter in color.

Nutrition: Coloring foods such as burgundy, beets, and blueberries can change the color of urine to red or red-brown. Eating large amounts of vitamin C can also cause your urine to turn bright yellow.

Diseases: Some diseases, such as urinary tract infection or kidney stones, can change the color of urine. The presence of blood can give it a pink or red tint, and icteric coloration can indicate problems with the liver or gallbladder.

Medicines: Some medicines can change the color of urine. For example, drugs based on phenyl salicylate can cause dark urine, and B-bitamines can give it a bright yellow or green tint.

What diseases can change the color of urine?

The color of urine may change with various diseases. One of the most common causes is a lack of fluid in the body. In this case, the urine becomes dark, highly concentrated and has a more saturated color.

Bile pigments in the urine can be another cause of discoloration of the urine. This can happen with liver diseases, such as hepatitis.

Some medicines can also change the color of urine. For example, when using drugs containing phenylsalicylic acid, the urine becomes more red.

1. Urinary tract infections
2. Liver disease
3. Fluid deficiency
4. Drug use

What is hematuria and how does it affect urine color?

Hematuria is a condition in which red blood cells enter the urine and turn it red, brown, or pink. It can be caused by various urological problems such as urinary tract infection, kidney stones, bladder or kidney cancer.

Hematuria should be evaluated and treated under the guidance of a specialist, as it may indicate a serious condition. The doctor will usually order various tests and examinations to determine the cause of the hematuria and then prescribe treatment based on the results.

In some cases, hematuria may resolve on its own, but urine color changes and symptoms should be monitored. If hematuria does not go away on its own or if symptoms worsen, a doctor should be consulted for treatment.

What foods and medicines can change the color of urine?

The color of urine can change under the influence of various factors, including foods and drugs. Some of these can cause urine to become an unusual color.

• Beets – may turn urine red or purple
• Carrots – may cause urine to turn orange
• Licorice – may turn urine brown 900 08
• Asparagus – may make urine green or yellow
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2) – may cause bright yellow urine
• Antibiotics – may cause urine to turn green, blue or brown
• Di uretics – can make urine bright yellow or darken its color

If the color of urine only changes after eating foods or medicines, this is not a serious problem. However, if you notice other symptoms such as pain when urinating or blood in your urine, be sure to see your doctor to rule out a serious illness.

What symptoms should alert for a change in the color of urine?

A change in the color of urine may be a sign of possible health problems. Some symptoms to watch out for when your urine is discolored include:

• Dark yellow or amber color may indicate a lack of water in the body or that you are not drinking enough fluids. However, this color of urine can also be due to the consumption of certain medications or vitamins.
• Red, pink or brown urine may be due to blood in the urine, which may indicate a serious condition such as bladder cancer or urinary tract infection. If you notice a similar color of urine, be sure to consult a doctor.
• White urine may indicate the presence of proteins in the urine, which may be an indicator of kidney disease.
• Green or blue urine may be due to consumption of certain foods or even royal tea. However, it can also mean the presence of an infection.

Also, don’t forget that sometimes discoloration of urine can be harmless and the result of eating certain foods or drinks, but if you notice a persistent change in urine color, contact your doctor.

What tests and investigations are needed if the urine changes color?

If you notice that your urine has begun to change color, then you should consult a doctor and undergo special tests and studies. The number and type of tests depends on the symptoms and possible causes of the change in urine color.

If a urinary tract infection is suspected, additional tests such as urinalysis and urine culture may be ordered. These tests will help determine the type of bacteria and help you choose the right treatment.

If the discoloration of urine is due to kidney problems, additional tests may be needed, such as blood tests for creatinine and urea, ultrasound of the kidneys, and others.

In any case, it is important not to delay going to the doctor and go through all the prescribed tests and tests to find the cause of the change in urine color and prescribe the correct treatment.

Treatments for urine discoloration

Several treatments are available for urine discoloration. First of all, it is necessary to determine the cause of the color change. If the color change is due to an infection or other disease, then treatment is aimed at eliminating the problem. In such cases, antibiotics or other anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed.

If the discoloration is due to medication, you should consult a doctor to change the drug. In addition, you need to monitor the dosage of the medications you take to avoid various side effects, including discoloration of the urine.

Certain habits and certain foods can also cause discoloration of the urine. For example, frequent consumption of foods containing dyes can lead to discoloration of urine. In such cases, it is necessary to change the diet and remove foods from the diet that can affect the color of urine.

• Make sure you drink enough water to increase your urine volume as this can help improve the color of your urine.
• Avoid food containing colorants such as potato chips, syrups and other coloring ingredients.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and hot liquor, as they can cause dehydration and excretion of harmful substances through the urine, which can affect the color of the urine.

In any case, if you find a change in the color of urine for a long time, be sure to consult a doctor for advice. A change in the color of urine can be a sign of a serious illness, so this symptom should not be ignored. The doctor will be able to determine the cause of the change in urine color and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

How can discoloration of urine be associated with metabolic disorders?

Urine color is usually an indicator of health and can change depending on many factors, including diet, fluid intake, and hydration levels. However, in some cases, a change in the color of urine may be due to a metabolic disorder in the body.

If you notice a change in the color of your urine that is not explained by changes in diet or drinking, you should seek medical attention. The doctor can conduct research and determine the exact cause of the change in urine color. Treatment may include medication, diet, and other methods depending on the cause of the change in urine color.

How can a change in urine color indicate pregnancy?

Urine is one of the most accessible tests for detecting various diseases and abnormalities in the body, including pregnancy.

Pregnant women tend to have a lengthening of the bladder canal and a change in the capacity of the ureters, which leads to the fact that urine is retained in the body for a longer period of time. As a result, the presence of pregnancy can be confirmed by a change in the color of the urine.

There are many causes of urine discoloration in pregnant women, some of which are related to changes in hormonal balance, bladder contraction, and other aspects of pregnancy. Most often, during pregnancy, the color of urine can change to yellow, dark yellow, and sometimes even orange.

If there is a change in the color of the urine in a pregnant woman, you should consult a doctor to make sure that this is not a sign of any disease. Do not forget that urine is one of the reliable indicators of the state of our body, so regular urine tests will help to identify various abnormalities and diseases at the earliest stages.

How can discoloration of urine be linked to diabetes and other diseases?

Urine color may change due to a number of conditions, including diabetes. This is because diabetes can lead to increased levels of glucose in the urine and ketone bodies in the blood. These substances can give the urine a sweet or fruity odor, as well as make it dark yellow or even brown.

Other diseases such as liver, kidney and gallbladder diseases can also affect the color of urine. For example, the bile pigment bilirubin can cause yellow or greenish urine.

Sometimes a change in the color of urine can be caused by taking certain medications. Some antibiotics can turn urine bright yellow, and some laxatives can turn it red or purple.

It is important to understand that discoloration of urine can be a sign of a serious medical condition and should be consulted medically. If you have symptoms associated with a change in the color of your urine, contact your doctor to clarify the diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.

The attitude of Ukrainian medicine to changing the color of urine

The color of urine can be an important indicator of a person’s health. In Ukraine, medical professionals strongly recommend to see a doctor if the color of the urine changes and is accompanied by discomfort.

Many Ukrainian medical institutions have the ability to analyze urine and detect the presence of various diseases. In some cases, other studies may be required to clarify the diagnosis.

It is important to note that discoloration of urine can be caused by a number of external factors, including diet and the use of certain medications. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting treatment of any kind.

In addition, Ukrainian medical institutions advise you to monitor your health and not delay going to the doctor if the change in urine color is accompanied by other symptoms, such as lower back pain or fever.

Medical advice for urinary health

Drink enough water. Water helps flush out toxins from the body and keeps the urinary tract healthy. It is recommended to consume at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can irritate the urinary tract and contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

Maintain a healthy diet. Reduce your intake of oxalate-rich foods, such as spinach, rhubarb, and chocolate, as they can cause kidney stones.

Do not procrastinate with urination. Mindless inhaling causes urine to remain in the bladder, which may contribute to urinary tract infections.

Treat urinary tract infections immediately. Urinary tract infections can lead to serious problems if not treated promptly.

Get regular check-ups with a urologist. Regular visits to a urologist help detect and treat diseases of the urinary system in the early stages.

How to prevent urinary tract problems?

Drink water often: It is good to know and monitor your water intake. Insufficient water intake can lead to the formation of stones in the bladder, which can lead to difficulty urinating.

Practice personal hygiene: Try to clean the places where you will sit, for your part, keep cleanliness and the use of hand sanitizers. This will not only prevent the possibility of transmission of infection, but also help protect the mucous membranes of the urinary tract in general.

Set urination mode: If you do not need to urinate, this can lead to slow blood flow in the urinary tract and increase the risk of congestion. Try to urinate regularly at the first urge.

Take care of intimate hygiene: Improper use of hygiene products, lack of cleanliness in this part of the body can lead to various urinary tract infections and worsen general health.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle: Increase your level of physical activity, avoid overeating, otherwise it will be good for your overall health and improve your urinary tract health.

Medical examination: Regular consultation with a doctor will help to detect problems with the urinary tract, identify potential risks and start treatment in a timely manner.

How to avoid dark urine during exercise?

Most people know that strenuous exercise can lead to dark urine. This is due to the fact that during such a load, the body begins to excrete more waste and residual products through the kidneys. This can lead to discoloration of the urine and even to the formation of deposits in the kidneys.

To avoid darkening of the urine during physical activity, it is necessary to monitor your health and fitness. Do not forget about regular physical activity, but do not try to perform a large amount of exercise immediately. Start small and gradually increase the load.

Also, remember to drink enough water to speed up the process of removing waste from the body. Water also helps to avoid deposits in the kidneys and protects the kidney system from traumatic injury.

If you notice that your urine is constantly dark in color, despite regular exercise, we advise you to consult a doctor. You may need to undergo additional testing and treatment to avoid developing serious kidney and urinary tract problems.

What should you do if you have symptoms of urine color change?

If you notice a change in the color of your urine and are concerned about it, the first thing you should do is contact your doctor. There are many reasons why urine can change color, and only a specialist will be able to determine what exactly caused this deviation.

When you see a doctor, be prepared to answer questions about your health, medication, and nutrition. Your doctor may order urinalysis or additional tests to look for the cause of the discoloration of your urine.

In some cases, discoloration of urine may be due to only temporary factors, such as eating certain foods or changing drinking patterns. In such cases, treatment is not required, it is enough just to change your lifestyle.

However, if the change in urine color is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain when urinating, burning and itching in the genitourinary system, a sudden increase in temperature, or other unusual symptoms, a more serious approach and prompt treatment is required.

• Personal hygiene is required;
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol;
• Follow your doctor’s instructions and complete the tests he has prescribed;
• Drink enough water;
• If your doctor has prescribed medication, you must take your medication exactly as directed.

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Gamma-hydroxybutyrate acid is a substance that lowers the activity of the central nervous system. GHB is used in medicine as an analgesic.

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GHB is odorless, colorless and only slightly salty, so it is almost impossible to notice that it has been added to the drink. It is determined only through a urine test 6-12 hours after consumption.

Scientists examined more than 5500 types of fluorescent dyes and settled on 17 of them. After that, tests were carried out with different concentrations of the drug. As a result, it was possible to find out that the orange dye, called GHB Orange, changes color upon contact with the substance, according to iscience. ru.

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