Patient/caregiver was educated on how to take Phenazopyridine as follows:
- Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Do not change the dose and frequency on this medication without consulting your doctor.
- Take the medication dose for the duration prescribed without fail, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication.
- The dose and length of treatment depends upon the medical condition, severity of UTI symptoms of irritation and discomfort involving the urinary tract, and response to treatment.
- This medication can induce some nausea and vomiting, when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Phenazopyridine intake can result in dizziness and confusion. Do not take phenazopyridine with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the confusion caused by phenazopyridine. A number of OTC cough medications, antihistamines, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by phenazopyridine and so, must be avoided taking along with phenazopyridine.
- Phenazopyridine is available OTC in lower strength and with prescription on physician’s recommendation in higher strength.
- OTC phenazopyridine is especially used at home, by individuals placed on urinary catheters, at the time of catheter insertion or change. When using this medication as an OTC product, contact your physician for the total dose allowed in a 24-hour period, as multiple insertions could be necessary for urine drainage.
- Take the phenazopyridine regular tablet, as a whole, using a glass of water. If you encounter difficulty swallowing the whole tablet, you may cut the tablet and swallow it in pieces with a glass of water. You can also crush the regular tablet and sprinkle the contents on a spoon of apple sauce or jello or pudding, to facilitate an easy swallow.
- Continue taking phenazopyridine as ordered, until your symptoms of urinary tract irritation/pain/discomfort are under control. Consult your physician for advice, before discontinuing on phenazopyridine intake.
- Report to your physician regarding any new or continuing signs and symptoms of irritation of the urinary tract, such as, increased sensitivity and burning sensation of urinary tract, pain and itching along the urinary tract, and frequency & urgency of urination, despite compliance with phenazopyridine intake.
- Observe compliance with recommended fluid intake, any anti-inflammatory medications, and/or any antibiotics prescribed, for control of the signs and symptoms of inflammation and infection, involving the urinary tract.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
