Pyridium 200mg

✅ Active Ingredient Overview Table:

🌿 What is Phenazopyridine 200 mg (Pyridium)?

Pyridium contains Phenazopyridine HCl, a urinary tract analgesic that exerts a topical analgesic effect on the mucosa of the urinary tract. It relieves pain, burning, urgency, and frequency associated with urinary tract infections and other urinary disorders.

Phenazopyridine acts locally after excretion in urine, with symptomatic relief often observed within 30 minutes of dosing. It does not treat underlying infection; concurrent antimicrobial therapy is required.

For complete prescribing and safety information, refer to the FDA label for Pyridium and the Drugs.com monograph. Additional guidance is available from the NHS Medicines A–Z entry and the WHO Essential Medicines List.

🧬 Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action

Phenazopyridine is converted to active metabolites that impart a local analgesic effect on bladder mucosa.

💡 Indications & Dosing

Administer with meals to improve tolerability. Do not exceed 2 days without medical review.

⚠️ Warnings & Side Effects

Common:

• Orange-red urine discoloration
• Headache
• GI upset

Serious:

• Hemolytic anemia in G6PD deficiency
• Methemoglobinemia
• Hepatotoxicity (rare)

Avoid use in patients with renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min) or G6PD deficiency. Ensure adequate hydration.

🏥 Storage Instructions

Store Pyridium 200 mg at 15–30°C in original blister pack. Protect from light and moisture.

🌐 Availability & Purchasing

• USA: Prescription-only; OTC in some formulations.
• UK & EU: Prescription required; limited availability.
• Australia: Prescription and TGA approval needed.

Importing from India can reduce costs; ensure compliance with local regulations and maintain a valid prescription.

🔗 Related Urinary Analgesics & Antimicrobials

• Nitrofurantoin 100 mg – UTI antibiotic.
• Fosfomycin 3 g – single-dose UTI therapy.
• Tolterodine 4 mg – overactive bladder.

🎥 Educational Video on Phenazopyridine

👩‍⚕️ Expert Insight: Dr. Anjali Desai, Urologist

“Phenazopyridine is an effective symptomatic agent for urinary tract discomfort. It should be used short-term alongside appropriate antimicrobial therapy.”