Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking phenazopyridine as follows:
- 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. Watching closely for the response to the intake of medication and gradually changing the dose, if needed, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by phenazopyridine.
- Phenazopyridine can get secreted into various body fluids, such as, urine and tears, and stain the body fluids orange yellow in color. Consequently, in individuals with incontinence and history of wearing soft contact lenses, phenazopyridine can stain the garments and lens orange yellow in color. The stain on the garments and lenses can be permanent, but not dangerous. So, individuals wearing soft contact lenses must avoid wearing the contact lens and adopt an alternative, during the time of taking phenazopyridine.
- Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Do not change the dose and frequency on this medication without consulting your doctor.
