Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Precautions Before Starting Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to phenazopyridine, any of the active or inactive ingredients in phenazopyridine formulations such as  magnesium stearate, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, non-prescription medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Phenazopyridine may not be right for people with a medical condition called G6PD deficiency or those with renal impairment (kidney disease) or hepatic impairment (liver disease). 

Pregnant women should tell their doctor about the pregnancy before starting phenazopyridine. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast feeding (it is unclear if the medicine is excreted into human milk and whether it is safe to nurse an infant with breast milk while on phenazopyridine).

Precautions During Use of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)

Do not take over-the-counter phenazopyridine for more than two days without talking to your healthcare provider. This medication can hide the symptoms of a worsening infection or underlying condition and lead to a delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Call your doctor if you become pregnant while on phenazopyridine.

Phenazopyridine can cause color reactions on certain laboratory tests, including urine tests. Tell all laboratory personnel you are on phenazopyridine before any lab tests. 

This medication is rapidly excreted into urine and other body fluids. A reddish-orange discoloration of urine typically develops while on phenazopyridine. This discolored or dark urine is not harmful and of no clinical significance. However, you should know that phenazopyridine can stain fabric or soft contact lenses.

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how phenazopyridine works. Possible interactions between phenazopyridine and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. 

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, non-prescription medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with medications.