Phenazopyridine
/api/v1/drug/phenazopyridineMechanism of action
Sourced from openFDAMechanism-of-action class: Unknown Cellular or Molecular Interaction.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- Phenazopyridine HCl is indicated for the symptomatic relief of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other discomforts arising from irritation of the lower urinary tract mucosa caused by infection, trauma, surgery, endoscopic procedures, or the passage of sounds or catheters. The use of Phenazopyridine HCl for relief of symptoms should not delay definitive diagnosis and treatment of causative conditions.
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- Phenazopyridine HCl should not be used in patients who have previously exhibited hypersensitivity to it. The use of Phenazopyridine HCl is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency.contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDA100 mg Tablets: Average adult dosage is two tablets 3 times a day after meals. 200 mg Tablets: Average adult dosage is one tablet 3 times a day after meals. When used concomitantly with an antibacterial agent for the treatment of a urinary tract infection, the administration of Phenazopyridine HCl should not exceed 2 days.
Adverse reactions
Sourced from openFDAHeadache, rash, pruritus and occasional gastrointestinal disturbance. An anaphylactoid-like reaction has been described. Methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia, renal and hepatic toxicity have been reported, usually at overdosage levels (see OVERDOSAGE Section ).
Overdosage
Sourced from openFDAExceeding the recommended dose in patients with good renal function or administering the usual dose to patients with impaired renal function (common in elderly patients) may lead to increased serum levels and toxic reactions. Methemoglobinemia generally follows a massive, acute overdose. Methylene blue, 1 to 2 mg/kg/body weight intravenously or ascorbic acid 100 to 200 mg given orally should cause prompt reduction of the methemoglobinemia and disappearance of the cyanosis which is an aid in diagnosis. Oxidative Heinz body hemolytic anemia may also occur, and “bite cells” (degmacytes) may be present in a chronic overdosage situation. Red blood cell G-6-PD deficiency may predispose to hemolysis. Renal and hepatic impairment and occasional failure, usually due to hypersensitivity, may also occur.
FAERS reports
- 1Chronic Kidney Disease39410%
- 2Nausea3108.2%
- 3Pain3078.1%
- 4Urinary Tract Infection2947.8%
- 5Fatigue2727.2%
- 6Acute Kidney Injury2687.1%
- 7Renal Failure2536.7%
- 8Diarrhoea2346.2%
- 9Headache1975.2%
- 10Vomiting1915.0%
- 11Anxiety1854.9%
- 12Off Label Use1804.7%
- 13Dyspnoea1534.0%
- 14Dizziness1493.9%
- 15Drug Ineffective1453.8%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Phenazopyridine as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Toxicity profiling of phenazopyridine in zebrafish: An emerging pharmaceutical contaminant in the environment.Ecotoxicology and environmental safety · 2025 · Vittal R, Aishwarya KG, Kalladka K, et al.PMID 41086702DOI 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.119208
- Pharmacokinetics of Orally Administered Phenazopyridine in Goats With Obstructive Urolithiasis.Journal of veterinary internal medicine · 2025 · Mitman SL, Mzyk DA, Camacho BE, et al.PMID 40570160DOI 10.1111/jvim.70167
- A Rare Case of Hypoxia and Cyanosis Secondary to Multifactorial Medication-Induced Sulfhemoglobinemia.The American journal of case reports · 2025 · Mansour MM, Seby RM, Elalfy A, et al.PMID 40329513DOI 10.12659/AJCR.947587
- Discovery and optimization of phenazopyridine hydrochloride as novel SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors.European journal of medicinal chemistry · 2025 · Zhao J, Zhang G, Li Y, et al.PMID 39999742DOI 10.1016/j.ejmech.2025.117422
- Removal of phenazopyridine from water, synthetic urine, and real sample by adsorption using graphene oxide: A DFT theoretical/experimental approach.Chemosphere · 2024 · Bruckmann FDS, Foucaud Y, Pinheiro RF, et al.PMID 39004147DOI 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142738
- Cost Analysis of Oral Phenazopyridine vs Intravesical Lidocaine for Preprocedural Analgesia for Intradetrusor OnabotulinumtoxinA Injections.Urology practice · 2024 · Kapur A, Jericevic D, Wang R, et al.PMID 38913587DOI 10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000628
- Case of drug-induced kidney stone from overuse of phenazopyridine.The Canadian journal of urology · 2024 · Pursnani S, Streeper NMPMID 38912947
- Cerium oxide: synthesis, brief characterization, and optimization of the photocatalytic activity against phenazopyridine in an aqueous solution.Environmental science and pollution research international · 2023 · Shirzadi H, Nezamzadeh-Ejhieh A, Kolahdoozan M, et al.PMID 36434455DOI 10.1007/s11356-022-24260-6
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 24 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Phenazopyridine as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- Efficacy of Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy in Treating Radiation CystitisCompleted · Early phase 1 · Interventional · 25 enrolled · Thanakrit VisuthikosolNCT07016451updated 2026-05-15
- Methocarbamol vs Oxybutynin for Management of Pain and Discomfort S/P Ureteroscopy ProcedureActive not recruiting · Interventional · 126 enrolled · Northwestern UniversityNCT05100017updated 2026-04-30
- Effectiveness of Phenazopyridine for Pain Following UrodynamicsActive not recruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 66 enrolled · University of South FloridaNCT06577493updated 2026-04-29
- Prophylactic Analgesia for Bladder Botox InjectionsWithdrawn · Phase 4 · Interventional · 0 enrolled · Montefiore Medical CenterNCT06514430updated 2025-07-18
- Effects of Methylene Blue in Healthy Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's DiseaseCompleted · Phase 2 · Interventional · 117 enrolled · The University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioNCT02380573updated 2024-09-19
- Intravenous Sodium Fluorescein Versus Oral Phenazopyridine for Ureteral PatencyWithdrawn · Interventional · 0 enrolled · University Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterNCT02757417updated 2022-05-06
- Identifying Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women With Pelvic Organ ProlapseCompleted · Interventional · 100 enrolled · The Cleveland ClinicNCT03005977updated 2022-04-07
- Using Phenazopyridine for In-office CystoscopyUnknown · Interventional · 94 enrolled · Boston Urogynecology AssociatesNCT02715648updated 2020-12-31
- Investigating Oral Agents for Urine Staining to Facilitate Intraoperative Observation of Ureteral JetsCompleted · Early phase 1 · Interventional · 120 enrolled · Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterNCT03432572updated 2020-08-11
- Efficacy Study of Methenamine + Methylthioninium Chloride vs Phenazopyridine for the Symptomatic Control of DysuriaCompleted · Phase 3 · Interventional · 316 enrolled · EMSNCT01657448updated 2020-07-07
Pharmacogenomics
CPIC-curated drug–gene pairs for Phenazopyridine. Levels describe the strength of curated evidence and guideline status — never a recommendation to test or to adjust therapy.
- G6PDCPIC CClinPGx 3
Frequently asked questions
- How does Phenazopyridine work?
- Mechanism-of-action class: Unknown Cellular or Molecular Interaction.
- What is Phenazopyridine used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Phenazopyridine carries indications including: Phenazopyridine HCl is indicated for the symptomatic relief of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other discomforts arising from irritation of the lower urinary tract mucosa caused by infection, trauma, surgery, endoscopic procedures, or the passage of sounds or catheters. The use of Phenazopyridine HCl for relief of symptoms should not delay definitive diagnosis and treatment of causative conditions.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Phenazopyridine?
- Phenazopyridine is classified as Other urologicals, Unknown Cellular or Molecular Interaction, Analgesia, Renal/Urological Activity Alteration.
- What are the brand names for Phenazopyridine?
- Phenazopyridine is marketed under brand names including Azo Urinary Pain Relief, Baridium, Pyridium, Uricalm, Uristat.
- What are the contraindications for Phenazopyridine?
- Phenazopyridine labeling lists contraindications including: Phenazopyridine HCl should not be used in patients who have previously exhibited hypersensitivity to it. The use of Phenazopyridine HCl is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
phenazopyridine is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.