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

If your doctor prescribed Pyridium or phenazopyridine, or you've seen it recommended for UTI pain relief, you probably have questions. This guide covers everything you need to know: what Pyridium is, what it treats, how to take it correctly, what to expect, and important safety information.

What Is Pyridium?

Pyridium is a brand name for phenazopyridine hydrochloride, a urinary tract analgesic (pain reliever). It is classified as an azo dye and works by directly relieving pain, burning, urgency, and frequency caused by irritation of the lower urinary tract. It is not an antibiotic and does not treat infections.

In 2023, phenazopyridine was the 275th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 800,000 prescriptions written annually. It is also available over the counter under brand names like AZO Urinary Pain Relief, Uristat, and Uricalm.

What Does Pyridium Treat?

The FDA has approved phenazopyridine for the symptomatic relief of:

Pain and burning during urination (dysuria)

Urinary urgency and frequency

General discomfort from lower urinary tract irritation

These symptoms can arise from:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Trauma or injury to the urinary tract

Urological surgery

Endoscopic procedures (e.g., cystoscopy)

Catheter placement or removal

What Pyridium Does NOT Do

This is critical to understand: Pyridium is a pain reliever, not an antibiotic. It does not kill bacteria, treat infections, or prevent UTIs from recurring. If you have a UTI, you still need a separate prescription antibiotic to cure the infection. Using phenazopyridine alone without an antibiotic can actually mask symptoms and delay treatment of a worsening infection.

Dosage: How Much Do You Take?

Standard adult dosing:

Prescription (Rx): 190–200 mg (one 200 mg tablet) taken orally three times daily after meals

OTC (AZO, Uristat): Two 95–99.5 mg tablets three times daily (approximately 190–199 mg per dose)

Children (6–12 years): 12 mg/kg/day divided into 3 equal doses (requires compounding — no pediatric commercial formulation available)

Duration: Not to exceed 2 days when used with antibiotics for UTI. For other indications, follow your doctor's guidance.

How to Take Pyridium Correctly

Take with food or immediately after a meal to reduce stomach upset

Take with a full glass of water

Swallow tablets whole — do not crush or chew (can stain teeth)

Remove contact lenses before starting — phenazopyridine permanently stains soft contacts

Expect orange or red urine — this is normal and harmless

Do not take for more than 2 days with antibiotics unless instructed by your doctor

Who Should NOT Take Pyridium?

People with kidney disease (drug accumulates and causes toxicity)

People with G6PD deficiency (risk of hemolytic anemia)

People with severe hepatitis

Anyone allergic to phenazopyridine

Is Pyridium Available Over the Counter?

Yes. Phenazopyridine at 95–99.5 mg is available without a prescription at most pharmacies and grocery stores under brand names like AZO Urinary Pain Relief, Uristat, and Uricalm. Prescription-strength (200 mg) requires a doctor's order.

Need help finding it at a pharmacy near you? medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf and texts you results. To understand how phenazopyridine works in your body, see our mechanism of action guide.