Pyridium Description

Your doctor may prescribe Pyridium or generic Phenazopyridine to treat the pain, burning, or irritation that can occur in your urinary tract from surgery, catheters, trauma, as well as the feeling you need to urinate urgently or frequently. If you are dealing with a urinary tract infection (UTI), your doctor may prescribe an anti-infective drug and suggest you also take Pyridium as directed for a couple of days so its analgesic effects will help relieve the spasms, pain, and the recurring need to urinate when you have a UTI. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Analgesic Relief for Your Urinary Tract

Pyridium makes its way through your body to your kidneys. Urine travels from your kidneys down the ureters and into your bladder where the urine builds up until your brain is signaled that you have to pee. When this happens the muscles in your bladder tighten and the urine is expelled through your urethra, along with Pyridium. This is how Pyridium delivers pain relief throughout your urinary tract. Pyridium is prescribed to eliminate the pain and discomfort and reduce the urgency and frequency of urination but does not act as a treatment for any infections.

Add Pyridium as Part of Your UTI Treatment

A urinary tract infection is not new to most women as they can occur often, and certainly more women than men experience UTIs. This is due to the urethra being shorter in women so bacteria have less distance to travel and the rectum is in close proximity to the urethra. When the opportunity arises, the bacteria can find their way in through the urethra and into your urine, which is normally sterile. You will begin to experience a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy or bloody urine, a fever, and a frequent or intense need to urinate. Although most UTIs are not serious, see your doctor and ask about Pyridium for pain relief while your Rx antibiotic starts to work. Some people may find Pyridium is beneficial for interstitial cystitis, too.

Before Pyridium is Prescribed

Ask your doctor if there is a risk of taking Pyridium while you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Describe other medical conditions and allergies you have to your doctor and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to determine if Pyridium is safe for you to take. Do not be shocked by the orange or red color of your urine as Pyridium makes its way out of your body, this is normal.

Pyridium Precautions and Recommendations

Until you know how your body will react to Pyridium, do not perform any task considered unsafe if you are not able to function well. Your doctor may recommend removing contact lenses until Pyridium is out of your system as it has the potential to discolor them. Do not take Pyridium longer than prescribed for and never share this or other medication with others. All medications should be stored safely out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Pyridium

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Itchy skin
• Upset stomach

Drugs Similar to Pyridium

• Urispas
• Uracyst
• Ditropan