Phenazopyridine Uses

Phenazopyridine is a prescription and over-the-counter medication used to treat urinary symptoms such as irritation, discomfort, pain, burning, urgency, and frequency that commonly occur with UTIs.

AZO Urinary Pain Relief (phenazopyridine) is not an antibiotic and will not cure a UTI. It can only relieve symptoms caused by the infection.

There may be other uses of this medicine — your healthcare professional or pharmacist can provide medical advice and give you more phenazopyridine drug information.

Phenazopyridine Mechanism of Action

Phenazopyridine is an AZO dye that is excreted into the urine. It provides symptom relief by exerting an analgesic (pain-relieving) and local anesthetic effect on the lower urinary tract mucosa. This medication does not have any antibacterial properties.  

Phenazopyridine Doses

Phenazopyridine is available both by prescription and over-the-counter. The prescription strengths are 100 mg and 200 mg. Over-the-counter phenazopyridine is available in strengths of 95 mg, 97.5 mg, and 99.5 mg.

Phenazopyridine OTC dosing: The usual dose is 2 tablets by mouth 3 times a day with a full glass of water. Do not take phenazopyridine OTC for more than 2 days without talking to a healthcare professional.

Phenazopyridine prescription dosing: The usual dose is 200 mg by mouth 3 times a day after meals. If you are also taking an antibiotic for a UTI, take phenazopyridine for a maximum of 2 days.