Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) Uses

Phenazopyridine HCl is used for urinary pain relief in people with uncomplicated cystitis. It can ease pain, discomfort, burning, irritation, frequency, and urgency caused by urinary tract infections or examinations, endoscopic procedures, surgeries, or injuries.

There may be other uses of phenazopyridine HCl—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) Mechanism of Action

Phenazopyridine HCl acts locally on the lower urinary tract mucosa to relieve pain and urinary irritation. It is not an antibiotic or antibacterial agent, and it will not cure a urinary tract infection. Combined administration of phenazopyridine and an antibacterial agent after two days has not been found to provide greater benefit or relief of symptoms. However, if used in the first two days of a UTI, phenazopyridine can reduce the need for systemic analgesics to relieve the same symptoms.

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) Doses

Phenazopyridine HCl is available as 100-mg and 200-mg tablets. The usual oral dose in adults and teenagers is 200 mg three times a day. The dose of phenazopyridine in children depends on the child’s body weight and should be determined by a healthcare provider.