Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Phenazopyridine as follows:
Hematologic side-effects
- Use of phenazopyridine can result in deficiency of enzyme systems (G6PDH enzyme), needed to maintain the integrity of red blood cells. This can result in poor red blood cell integrity, predisposing the cells to lysis, contributing to development of hemolytic anemia. Secondary to anemia, individuals can present with pallor of skin and mucosa, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate.
- The breakdown of red blood cells can result in elevated levels of the yellow pigment, bilirubin, in the blood, which can result in signs and symptoms of jaundice. Individuals can present with itching, dark urine, yellowing of skin and eyes, nausea and vomiting, poor metabolism, and fatigue.
- Metabolism of phenazopyridine in the liver yields a metabolite called aniline. This metabolite aniline can be dangerous to the hemoglobin, which is the compound in the red blood cells carrying oxygen to various body tissues. Aniline, especially when produced in increasing amounts, can convert hemoglobin to another potentially dangerous compound, methemoglobin. Methemoglobin poorly delivers oxygen to tissues and can discolor the skin and mucus membranes from normal pink to blue. When the levels of methemoglobin in the blood are high, individuals can present with symptoms of compromised oxygen levels in the body tissues, such as, increasing shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heart rate, confusion, and episodes of loss of consciousness.
