Source: Health Products and Food Branch (CA) Revision Year: 2020
PYRIDIUM (Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride) is indicated for the symptomatic relief of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other discomforts resulting from irritation of the mucosa of the lower urinary tract caused by infection, trauma, surgery, endoscopic procedures, or the passage of sounds or catheters.
Phenazopyridine is compatible with antimicrobial therapy and can help relieve pain and discomfort during the interval before an antimicrobial therapy controls the infection.
Treatment with phenazopyridine should not exceed 2 days because of potential organ damage (See Warnings and Precautions).
Geriatrics (>65 years old): No data are available.
Pediatrics (<18 years old): No data are available.
Adults: 200 mg 3 times daily after meals.
When used concomitantly with an antibacterial agent for the treatment of a urinary tract infection, the administration of phenazopyridine should not exceed 2 days. If symptoms persist, the patient should be reevaluated.
If a dose is missed, patients should take it as soon as they remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and resume their usual dosing schedule. Patients should not double the dose to catch up.
Administration is by the oral route, preferably after meals.
For management of a suspected drug overdose contact your regional Poison Control Centre.
Exceeding the recommended dose in patients with normal renal function or administering the recommended dose to patients with reduced renal function (common in elderly patients) may lead to increased serum levels and toxic reactions.
Methemoglobinemia generally follows a massive, acute overdose. Oxidative Heinz body hemolytic anemia also may occur, and “bite cells” (degmacytes) may be present in a chronic overdosage situation. Red blood cell G-6-PD deficiency may predispose to hemolysis; however, hemolysis may occur at normal doses in patients with G-6-PD Mediterranean. Renal toxicity and occasional failure and hepatic impairment may also occur.
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Methylene blue, 1 to 2 mg/kg/dose given i.v. as a 1% solution as needed, should cause prompt reduction of the methemoglobinemia and disappearance of the cyanosis which is an aid in diagnosis.
Store at controlled room temperature, 15-30°C.
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