What Is Phenazopyridine? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic—a pain reliever specifically designed to relieve the burning, urgency, and discomfort caused by irritation of the lower urinary tract. It's sold by prescription under the brand name Pyridium and over the counter as AZO Urinary Pain Relief, Uristat, and Uricalm. In 2023, it was the 275th most prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 800,000 prescriptions written annually.

What Is Phenazopyridine Used For?

Phenazopyridine is FDA-approved for the symptomatic relief of:

Pain and burning during urination

Urgency (feeling like you need to urinate right away)

Frequency (needing to urinate more often than normal)

General discomfort caused by lower urinary tract irritation

These symptoms can result from:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — the most common reason it's prescribed

Trauma to the urinary tract

Surgery involving the urinary tract

Endoscopic procedures (such as cystoscopy)

Placement of urinary catheters (e.g., Foley catheters)

Critical: Phenazopyridine Is NOT an Antibiotic

This is the single most important thing to understand about phenazopyridine: it does not treat infections. It only relieves symptoms. It has no antibacterial properties whatsoever. If you have a UTI, you still need a separately prescribed antibiotic to cure the infection.

Using phenazopyridine alone without an antibiotic can mask symptoms and delay treatment of a worsening infection. Always take it alongside a prescribed antibiotic when treating a UTI.

Phenazopyridine Dosage

Phenazopyridine comes in several strengths depending on whether it's prescription or OTC:

Prescription (Pyridium): 200 mg tablet, taken 3 times daily with or after meals

OTC (AZO, Uristat): 95–99.5 mg per tablet, take 2 tablets 3 times daily (190–199 mg per dose)

Maximum duration: 2 days when taken alongside an antibiotic

Always take phenazopyridine with food or after a meal to reduce stomach upset. Take with a full glass of water.

How Quickly Does Phenazopyridine Work?

Most patients feel relief within 20 minutes to 1 hour of taking the first dose. This speed is possible because phenazopyridine is rapidly absorbed and excreted into the urine, where it acts directly on the inflamed urinary tract lining.

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What to Expect While Taking Phenazopyridine

Orange-red urine: Your urine will turn vivid orange-red. This is expected and harmless—do not be alarmed.

Staining: The dye can permanently stain soft contact lenses and clothing. Do not wear soft contacts while taking this medication.

Urine test interference: Phenazopyridine interferes with urine dipstick tests. Tell your provider you're taking it before any urine testing.

Who Should NOT Take Phenazopyridine?

People with kidney disease (phenazopyridine is contraindicated in renal insufficiency)

People with G6PD deficiency (risk of hemolytic anemia)

People with known hypersensitivity to phenazopyridine

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How Much Does Phenazopyridine Cost?

Without a coupon or insurance, prescription phenazopyridine can cost $30–$52 for a 2-day supply. With a GoodRx coupon, that drops to as low as $2.26. OTC AZO and Uristat cost $10–$15 at most stores. Walmart's $4 generic program includes phenazopyridine at many locations.

If you're having trouble finding phenazopyridine at your pharmacy, medfinder can call nearby pharmacies to find which ones have it in stock. To understand how phenazopyridine works in your body, see: How Does Phenazopyridine Work?.