DO NOT give this drug to a patient is who is taking Bactrim or Septra.
NOTE:
Methenamine works best in an acidic urine. If sulfonamides are administered
at the same time, a precipitate will form caused by the basic nature of the
sulfonamides.
3-34. PHENAZOPYRIDINE (PYRIDIUM)
Phenazopyridine is an analgesic (an agent to relieve pain). This medication is
clinically indicated for pain associated with urinary tract irritation or infection. The
medication is excreted in the urine where it acts as a local anesthetic on mucosa. This
drug helps relieve the patient of pain and burning during urination. Also relieved is the
patient's feeling of needing to urinate too frequently and urgently. The recommended
dosage for adults is 100 to 200 mg by mouth four times a day after meals for three
days, if the pain is relieved. The drug may alter clinistix or Tes-tape results. Clinitest
tabs must be used if urinalysis is needed. Adverse reactions to this medication include:
a. Headache.
b. Rash.
c. Pruritus.
d. Occasional gastrointestinal disturbances.
e. Staining of contact lenses has been reported.
f. At overdose levels, hemolytic anemia (anemia from abnormal destruction of
red blood cells in the body) and renal and hepatic toxicity.
NOTE:
Warn patients that this drug will color the urine red to orange and can stain
fabrics.
Section IX. THE EFFECTS OF AGING
3-35. GENERAL INFORMATION
A number of biologic changes that are influenced by hereditary and
environmental factors occur in the aging. Some changes are physiologic, changes that
occur because of normal wear and tear over the years. Other changes are the result of
disease or the person's life-style. It is important to remember that each individual ages
in his own unique way. This accounts for the wide variation of changes in the aging
population.
MD0579
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