Phenazopyridine Tips from Pharmacists

• Do not be alarmed if your urine turns bright orange or brown while taking phenazopyridine. This is a harmless effect and will go away in a few days.

• Wear dark-colored underwear or use a panty liner while taking phenazopyridine to avoid stains on your underwear.

• Taking phenazopyridine with food can help avoid stomach pain and stomach upset.

• Swallow phenazopyridine with a full glass of water. Make sure you stay well-hydrated while on this medicine. Phenazopyridine needs to reach the kidneys to work. You need to drink enough water so that your body makes more urine and the medicine reaches the kidneys.

• Taking phenazopyridine for longer than prescribed or at a higher dose can cause serious complications. Most of the adverse effects occur in people who take too much of this medicine or take it for longer than recommended. Do not take OTC phenazopyridine for more than 2 days without a doctor’s advice. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic for UTI, don’t take phenazopyridine for more than 2 days.