Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking phenazopyridine as follows:
- Orally administered phenazopyridine is partly excreted unchanged in urine. Individuals with compromised renal function and history of renal failure are at risk for reduced excretion of phenazopyridine, thereby, resulting in accumulation of the drug in the body and consequently, can lead to toxicity with phenazopyridine. Accumulation of phenazopyridine in the body can result in staining of the skin and mucus membranes orange yellow. Individuals taking phenazopyridine must keep a close watch on the color of skin and mucus membranes. Report to your physician regarding any orange yellow coloration of the skin, oral mucosa, and sclera, so that, an alternative plan of care could be considered.
- 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. This 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. Report any of these findings to your physician, so that, a change in plan of care could be considered.
- 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.
