Phenazopyridine Tabs
Call to order(859) 281-9511General Drug Information and Indications
Urinary analgesic for pain and discomfort associated with urinary tract infections in dogs (extralabel); not for use in cats.
Azo dye urinary analgesic (phenazopyridine HCl). Mechanism: excreted in urine where it exerts direct topical analgesic/anesthetic effect on urinary tract mucosa via unknown mechanism. Does not treat urinary tract infection. Turns urine orange-red (inform clients). Contraindicated in cats — causes methemoglobinemia and Heinz body anemia.
Key information
Urinary analgesic. TOXIC TO CATS — absolute contraindication. Dogs only, short-term. Turns urine orange-red — warn clients.
How to Give this Medication
Oral tablets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Administer 3 times daily for maximum 2–3 days. Warn owners that urine will turn bright orange-red. Store at room temperature; protect from light.
If a dose is missed
Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects
Orange-red urine discoloration (expected — warn clients). Methemoglobinemia and Heinz body hemolytic anemia (cats — contraindicated). GI: nausea, vomiting. Staining of fabrics and contacts. Renal toxicity with prolonged use. Hepatotoxicity (rare).
Precautions
For animals
CONTRAINDICATED IN CATS — methemoglobinemia and Heinz body hemolytic anemia. Dogs: short-term use only (max 2–3 days); monitor for methemoglobinemia. Treats only symptoms — concurrent antimicrobial therapy required for UTI.
For people handling this medication
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Urinary analgesic — causes orange-red staining of skin, clothing, and surfaces. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Contact your veterinarian immediately. Phenazopyridine overdose causes methemoglobinemia in cats (life-threatening) and GI signs in dogs. TOXIC TO CATS. Contact your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.
Phenazopyridine Tabs dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHENAZOPYRIDINE TABS 95MG | 95 MG | Tablet | 1 | Commercial |
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)