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Pyridium
phenazopyridine · Pyridium is a prescription drug containing phenazopyridine, made by Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC.
- Type
- Prescription
- Drug class
- Not classified
- Route
- Oral
- Manufacturers
- 1
Pyridium is indicated for the symptomatic relief of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other discomforts arising from irritation of the lower urinary tract mucosa caused by infection, trauma, surgery, endoscopic procedures, or the passage of sounds or...
Drug facts
- Generic name
- phenazopyridine
- Active ingredients
- Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride
- Dosage forms
- Tablet, film coated
- Label holder
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
- Label updated
- 12/16/2023
Uses
Pyridium is indicated for the symptomatic relief of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other discomforts arising from irritation of the lower urinary tract mucosa caused by infection, trauma, surgery, endoscopic procedures, or the passage of sounds or catheters. The use of Phenazopyridine HCl for relief of symptoms should not delay definitive diagnosis and treatment of causative conditions. Because it provides only symptomatic relief, prompt appropriate treatment of the cause of pain must be instituted and Phenazopyridine HCl should be discontinued when symptoms are controlled. The analgesic action may reduce or eliminate the need for systemic analgesics or narcotics. It is, however, compatible with antibacterial therapy and can help to relieve pain and discomfort during the interval before antibacterial therapy controls the infection. Treatment of a urinary tract infection with Phenazopyridine HCl should not exceed two days because there is a lack of evidence that the combined administration of Phenazopyridine HCl and an antibacterial provides greater benefit than administration of the antibacterial alone after two days. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.)
Dosage and administration
100 mg Tablets: Average adult dosage is two tablets 3 times a day after meals. 200 mg Tablets: Average adult dosage is one tablet 3 times a day after meals. When used concomitantly with an antibacterial agent for the treatment of a urinary tract infection, the administration of Phenazopyridine HCl should not exceed 2 days.
Contraindications
Phenazopyridine HCl should not be used in patients who have previously exhibited hypersensitivity to it. The use of Phenazopyridine HCl is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency.
Precautions
General: A yellowish tinge of the skin or sclera may indicate accumulation due to impaired renal excretion and the need to discontinue therapy. The decline in renal function associated with advanced age should be kept in mind. NOTE: Patients should be informed that Phenazopyridine HCl produces a reddish-orange discoloration of the urine and may stain fabric. Staining of contact lenses has been reported. Laboratory Test Interaction: Due to its properties as an azo dye, Phenazopyridine HCl may interfere with urinalysis based on spectrometry or color reactions. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: Long-term administration of Phenazopyridine HCl has induced neoplasia in rats (large intestine) and mice (liver). Although no association between Phenazopyridine HCl and human neoplasia has been reported, adequate epidemiological studies along these lines have not been conducted. Pregnancy Category B: Reproduction studies have been performed in rats at doses up to 50 mg/kg/day and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to Phenazopyridine HCl. There are, however, no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Nursing mothers: No information is available on the appearance of Phenazopyridine HCl, or its metabolites in human milk.
Side effects (adverse reactions)
Headache, rash, pruritus and occasional gastrointestinal disturbance. An anaphylactoid-like reaction has been described. Methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia, renal and hepatic toxicity have been reported, usually at overdosage levels (see OVERDOSAGE section).
Breastfeeding
No information is available on the appearance of Phenazopyridine HCl, or its metabolites in human milk.
Overdose
Exceeding the recommended dose in patients with good renal function or administering the usual dose to patients with impaired renal function (common in elderly patients) may lead to increased serum levels and toxic reactions. Methemoglobinemia generally follows a massive, acute overdose. Methylene blue, 1 to 2 mg/kg/body weight intravenously or ascorbic acid 100 to 200 mg given orally should cause prompt reduction of the methemoglobinemia and disappearance of the cyanosis which is an aid in diagnosis. Oxidative Heinz body hemolytic anemia may also occur, and “bite cells” (degmacytes) may be present in a chronic overdosage situation. Red blood cell G-6-PD deficiency may predispose to hemolysis. Renal and hepatic impairment and occasional failure, usually due to hypersensitivity, may also occur.
Description
Pyridium ® (Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride) is light or dark red to dark violet, odorless, slightly bitter, crystalline powder. It has a specific local analgesic effect in the urinary tract, promptly relieving burning and pain. It has the following structural formula: C 11 H 11 N 5
- HCl M.W. 249.70 Pyridium (Phenazopyridine HCl Tablets, USP) contains the following inactive ingredients: carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone and pregelatinized starch. Structural Formula
How supplied
100 mg Tablets: Supplied in bottles of 100 (NDC 60846-501-01) counts. Appearance: Deep brown to maroon colored, round, film coated tablets debossed “PY” above “1” on one side and plain on the other. 200 mg Tablets: Supplied in bottles of 100 (NDC 60846-502-01) counts. Appearance: Deep brown to maroon colored, round, film coated tablets debossed “PY” above “2” on one side and plain on the other. DISPENSE contents with a child-resistant closure (as required) and in a tight container as defined in the USP. STORE at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Manufactured for: Amneal Specialty, a division of Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Rev. 03-2019-00
Forms and strengths
From the FDA NDC Directory · 2 product codes
| Dosage form | Strength | Route | NDCs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tablet, film coated | 100 mg | oral | 1 |
| Tablet, film coated | 200 mg | oral | 1 |
What pharmacies pay
National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), week of 10/21/2026
Pharmacies paid about $5.47 per tablet, capsule or unit across 1 package code.
NADAC is a survey of what retail pharmacies pay to buy a drug. It is not the price you pay at the counter, which depends on your insurance and the pharmacy.
Side effect reports to FDA
FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), 3,719 reports that list phenazopyridine, data through 07/30/2026
Anyone can report a problem to FDA, and a report does not mean the drug caused the problem. Reports can be duplicated or incomplete, and counts depend on how widely a drug is used. Do not stop or change a medicine because of this list. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Most often reported reactions
- Chronic kidney disease393
- Nausea305
- Pain299
- Urinary tract infection289
- Fatigue271
- Acute kidney injury268
- Renal failure253
- Diarrhea229
- Vomiting189
- Anxiety187
To report a side effect, use FDA MedWatch.
Manufacturers and labels
1 FDA label
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLCShown hereLabel 12/16/2023 · NDC 60846-501, 60846-502Full label
Related recalls
FDA drug recalls that name this drug or its active ingredient
- Class IIDrug06/19/2024Phenazopyridine HCl Tablets USP, 100 mg, 100-count bottles, Rx Only, Manufactured by: Winder Laboratories...Winder Laboratories, LLC · Product Mix Up. A bottle of Phenazopyridine HCl tablets USP 100 mg...
- Class IIDrug06/19/2024Phenazopyridine HCl, 100mg tablets, 6 count bottles, Rx Only, Repackaged by: RemedyRepack, Inc., Indiana...RemedyRepack Inc. · Product Mix Up. A bottle labeled as Phenazopyridine HCl tablets...
- Class IIDrug12/07/2016Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride Tablets, USP, 100 mg, 100 count bottles, Rx only, Manufactured for...Nationwide Laboratories, LLC · 2 products · CGMP Deviations: manufactured under practices which may result in...
- Class IIDrug12/07/2016Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride Tablets, USP, 100 mg, 100 count bottles, Rx only, Manufactured for: Burel...Burel Pharmaceuticals Inc · 2 products · CGMP Deviations; deficiencies at the manufacturer may result in...
Pyridium: common questions
- What is Pyridium used for?
- Pyridium is indicated for the symptomatic relief of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other discomforts arising from irritation of the lower urinary tract mucosa caused by infection, trauma, surgery, endoscopic procedures, or the passage of sounds or...
- What are the side effects of Pyridium?
- Headache, rash, pruritus and occasional gastrointestinal disturbance. See the full side effects section on this page, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect that bothers you.
- Is Pyridium a prescription drug?
- Yes. Pyridium is a prescription (Rx) drug.
- Are there other products with the same active ingredient as Pyridium?
- Yes. Other FDA-listed products with the same active ingredients include Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride, Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride, Phenazopyridine Hcl, Maximum Strength Urinary Pain Relief.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA drug label (SPL) and NDC Directory · Last updated 12/16/2023 · Label text is shown as published by the manufacturer. Not medical advice