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COPYRIGHT 2004 Jannetti Publications, Inc.
Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium[R], Azo-Standard[R], Urogesic[R], Uristat[R]) is an azo dye which is used as a urinary tract antiseptic and analgesic. The drug was initially marketed in the United States in 1914 as treatment for urinary tract infection (UTI), and it was widely believed to have bactericidal properties until the 1930s. In the 1940s, the first antibiotics were introduced and offered more effective and curative treatment for UTI. However, phenazopyridine is still often used as brief adjuvant therapy for treatment of UTI. Additionally, the drug is used for a number of urologic problems involving dysuria. Since a nonprescription dose is available, phenazopyridine is also used for self-medication for symptoms of UTI (Medscape DrugInfo, 2004; Zelenitsky & Zhanel, 1996). There is some evidence that inappropriate use of phenazopyridine is common (Shi et al., 2003).
Indications
The FDA labeled indication for phenazopyridine is dysuria. It is approved for symptomatic relief of pain, burning, frequency, and urgency due to irritation of the urinary tract. Common causes of irritation include infection, indwelling catheter, surgery, trauma, and invasive endoscopic procedures (cystoscopy). The drug has also been used to treat interstitial cystitis, prostatitis, and urethritis. It is widely used in clinical settings; however, controversy remains regarding whether or not there is clear evidence of effectiveness for those problems (Klasco, 2004;...
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