Introduction
Phenazopyridine is a medication that has a local analgesic impact on the urinary system when it is eliminated from the body through the urine. It is frequently used to treat urinary tract infections, surgery, examination procedures, and urinary tract injuries that cause pain, burning irritation, discomfort, urgency, or frequent urination. Phenazopyridine, however, does not treat infections; it is not an antibiotic. With almost 700,000 prescriptions, it was the 285th most often prescribed drug in the United States as of 2021.
What Are the Uses of Phenazopyridine Tablets?
The local analgesic effects of Phenazopyridine on the urinary tract are the reason it is given. At the start of treatment, it may be used in addition to an antibiotic or another anti-infective drug to aid with rapid symptom alleviation. Phenazopyridine is solely used to relieve symptoms; it does not heal wounds or infections. As prolonged therapy may disguise symptoms, it is advised to use it for no more than the first two days of an antibiotic regimen.
In other situations where a patient needs relief from irritation or pain during urination, Phenazopyridine can be given. For instance, it is frequently recommended following the use of an indwelling Foley catheter, endoscopic (cystoscopy) operations, or surgery related to the prostate, urethra, or bladder, any of which may irritate the urinary tract's epithelial lining.
This drug may conceal signs of improperly treated urinary tract infections and is not intended to treat infections. It relieves symptoms associated with urinary tract infections, post-surgery, and urinary tract injuries. Only one or two days should be spent on urinary tract infection treatment. Phenazopyridine usage over time may conceal symptoms.
What Is the Mechanism of Action of Phenazopyridine Tablets?
The body's interaction with Phenazopyridine is poorly understood, and its mechanism of action is not well understood. The chemical is known to directly affect the mucosa lining the urinary system as a topical analgesic. The kidneys quickly eliminate it, sending it straight into the urine. Human metabolism mostly occurs by hydroxylation, wherein the azo bond is not broken. Approximately 65 percent of an oral dosage will be chemically unalterably excreted into the urine.
How Should Phenazopyridine Medicine Be Used?
Oral Phenazopyridine is taken in the form of a pill or capsule, usually three times a day after meals. To avoid staining the teeth, avoid chewing or crushing the pills; instead, consume them whole with water. Once all discomfort has been relieved, stop taking medicine. Follow the directions on the medicine carefully, and ask medical experts for clarification if necessary. Follow the recommended dosing schedule and quantity.
What Are the Side Effects of Phenazopyridine?
Urine that has been exposed to Phenazopyridine changes significantly in color, usually from dark orange to reddish. This side effect is common, safe, and a major sign that the drug is present in the body. Phenazopyridine users are advised against using contact lenses since the drug has the potential to permanently discolor fabrics and contact lenses. When it comes into touch with surfaces, it also leaves behind an orange-yellow stain. Some people could wrongly worry that there is blood in the urine as a result of this.
In addition, Phenazopyridine may result in headaches, nausea, or vertigo, particularly if it is not taken with food. Less commonly, it might result in a significant yellowish hue shift in the skin or eyes' pigment. This is usually a sign that the medicine has to be stopped because of a decrease in renal excretion, which results in a buildup of the drug in the skin. Fever, disorientation, dyspnea, rash on the skin, and edema of the face, fingers, foot, or legs are some other adverse effects. Long-term usage may result in nail discoloration.
People who lack glucose-six-phosphate dehydrogenase should avoid Phenazopyridine because it might lead to oxidative stress-induced hemolysis or the death of red blood cells. Methemoglobinemia has been seen with both overdose and regular dosages. Methemoglobin reductase levels were already low in at least one of the patients, which probably made them more susceptible to the illness. It has also been documented to induce sulfhemoglobinemia.
Phenazopyridine is one kind of azo dye. Some azo dyes have been linked to bladder cancer as carcinogens; they were formerly utilized in printing, textiles, and plastics manufacturing. Phenazopyridine has never been proven to cause cancer in people. However, data from animal models points to a possible risk of cancer. Although no human studies have been done in pregnancy, this medicine has not demonstrated any negative effects in animal models. The excretion of Phenazopyridine in breast milk is unclear.
What Special Precautions Should One Take While Taking Phenazopyridine Tablets?
Inform the healthcare provider about any allergies to Phenazopyridine or any other medications before using it. Inform about any current vitamins used, non-prescription medications, and current prescriptions. Indicate the history of renal illness or a deficit in glucose-six-phosphate dehydrogenase. Inform the doctor if nursing a child, planning a pregnancy, or both.
Take the missed dosage as soon as possible. However, omit the missed dosage and follow the usual schedule if the next one is nearing. Do not take two doses to make up for one that has been missed.
Call poison control if an overdose is suspected. Call emergency services right away if the sufferer has passed out, is having a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be made to wake up. Make sure to keep all of the doctor's and lab visits. The physician will schedule particular laboratory tests to track how one reacts to Phenazopyridine. Phenazopyridine may cause erroneous findings in several laboratory tests, including urine tests for glucose and ketones. Before undertaking any testing, inform the laboratory personnel and the physician about the medications. Do not allow others to use one’s medication, as one’s prescription is likely non-refillable. After taking the Phenazopyridine course, see the physician if symptoms still exist. Have this information available for any emergencies as well as for any doctor's appointments or hospital stays.
Conclusion
The analgesic effects of Phenazopyridine tablets provide an efficient reduction of discomfort related to the urinary system. Patients can efficiently treat symptoms while reducing risks by following a suggested dosing schedule and taking the indicated measures. Observing recommended protocols, such as showing up for lab tests and doctor visits, guarantees responsible and efficient use. Even if Phenazopyridine provides momentary relief, chronic issues need to be treated by a physician. Patients should be aware of possible drug interactions and promptly report any concerns to their physicians.
