Role of Phenazopyridine in Urinary Tract Infections.

Irritative voiding symptoms, urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia, painful voiding, bladder discomfort or stranguria, are to the urinary tract much as a cough is to the pulmonary system, i.e., they are a nonspecific manifestation of multiple potential underlying causes. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually associated with irritative voiding symptoms, such as painful urination (dysuria), urinary urgency and frequency. Anticholinergic drugs like flavoxate, oxybutynin provide beneficial symptomatic relief. However, they have associated adverse anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth, which hinders patient compliance. Phenazopyridine hydrochloride acts as a topical analgesic on the mucosal lining of the urinary tract and thus relieves the irritative symptoms associated with UTI. It is compatible with antibiotics and relieves pain during the interval before the antibiotic begins to control the infection. It is well-tolerated as it lacks the anticholinergic side effects of other anticholinergics.