This article describes possible side effects of phenazopyridine oral tablet. You can explore this overview article to learn more about phenazopyridine, including the drug’s uses, ways to save on cost, and more.
Phenazopyridine oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drugs Pyridium and others.
More common side effects of phenazopyridine
Phenazopyridine oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of phenazopyridine oral tablet include:
- changes in urine color*
- diarrhea
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of phenazopyridine in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of phenazopyridine
Phenazopyridine may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of phenazopyridine oral tablet that have been reported include:
- changes in urine color*
- diarrhea
- headache
- itching
- nausea or vomiting
- mild allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of phenazopyridine in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of phenazopyridine
Phenazopyridine may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from phenazopyridine oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Although phenazopyridine is not approved by the FDA, you can visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with it.
Serious side effects of phenazopyridine oral tablet that have been reported include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of phenazopyridine in detail” section below.
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Common questions about side effects of phenazopyridine
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of phenazopyridine oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is phenazopyridine safe for older adults?
Probably. The drug has been in use for decades, and there doesn’t appear to be evidence to suggest different side effects in older adults compared with those seen in younger adults.
That said, older adults often have lower kidney function than younger adults. When the kidneys don’t work as well as they should, the level of phenazopyridine might stay too high in the body. This can increase the risk of certain side effects, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes).
If you have concerns about taking phenazopyridine, talk with your doctor.
Does phenazopyridine cause long-term side effects?
Long-term side effects aren’t expected with phenazopyridine oral tablet. Phenazopyridine is a short-term treatment, and side effects after treatment ends aren’t likely.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about possible long-term side effects with phenazopyridine.
Side effects of phenazopyridine in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of phenazopyridine oral tablet.
Changes in urine color
Changes in the color of urine, stool, and other body fluids have been reported in people taking phenazopyridine oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild.
Phenazopyridine produces a reddish-orange coloring that can show up in urine, stool, and other body fluids. It can stain clothing and contact lenses. It can even stain your teeth if the drug is broken or held in your mouth before you swallow it.
Ways to manage
To help prevent stains on clothing, try wearing a disposable underwear pad or liner. If you usually wear contact lenses, you may want to wear glasses instead during treatment with phenazopyridine.
The change in color is temporary and should go away after you stop taking phenazopyridine oral tablet.
Red blood cell problems
Red blood cell (RBC) problems have been reported in people taking phenazopyridine oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.
Problems with RBCs that can occur with phenazopyridine include:
- reduced ability of the hemoglobin in your RBCs to carry oxygen to your body
- hemolytic anemia, a condition that destroys RBCs and causes low RBC counts
Symptoms may include:
- dizziness
- skin that is paler than usual or a blue-purple color to the skin
- tiredness
- weakness
People with a genetic disorder called G6PD deficiency have a higher risk of hemolytic anemia when taking phenazopyridine oral tablet.
Ways to manage
If you have concerns about RBC problems, tell your doctor. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of an RBC problem when taking phenazopyridine oral tablet.
For some people, phenazopyridine oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening.
If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to phenazopyridine oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for phenazopyridine
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking phenazopyridine oral tablet.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take phenazopyridine oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether phenazopyridine oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking phenazopyridine oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
Phenazopyridine and pregnancy
It’s not known whether phenazopyridine oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Phenazopyridine and breastfeeding
Phenazopyridine oral tablet should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with phenazopyridine.
Phenazopyridine oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
However, alcohol is irritating to the urinary tract, so it can make your urinary symptoms worse. Keep in mind that doctors prescribe phenazopyridine to help relieve urinary tract irritation and other symptoms.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with phenazopyridine oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of phenazopyridine oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here are some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does the dosage of phenazopyridine affect my risk of side effects?
- Am I at higher risk of side effects than other people?
- How can I manage common side effects of phenazopyridine?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
