Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Q 104
A client is receiving Pyridium (phenazopyridine hydrochloride) for a urinary tract infection. The client should be taught that the medication may:
A. Cause diarrhea
B. Change the color of her urine
C. Cause mental confusion
D. Cause changes in taste
Correct Answer: B. Change the color of her urine
Clients taking Pyridium should be taught that the medication will turn the urine orange or red. Pyridium can also cause a yellowish color to skin and sclera if taken in large doses. Phenazopyridine relieves urinary tract pain, burning, irritation, and discomfort, as well as urgent and frequent urination caused by urinary tract infections, surgery, injury, or examination procedures. However, phenazopyridine is not an antibiotic; it does not cure infections.
Option A: It does not cause diarrhea. Phenazopyridine comes as a tablet or capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times a day after meals. Do not chew or crush the tablets as it may cause your teeth to become stained; swallow them whole with a full glass of water. You may stop taking this drug when pain and discomfort completely disappear.
Option C: The drug does not cause mental confusion. Phenazopyridine can interfere with laboratory tests, including urine tests for glucose (sugar) and ketones. If you have diabetes, you should use Clinitest rather than Tes-Tape or Clinistix to test your urine for sugar. Urine tests for ketones (Acetest and Ketostix) may give false results. Before you have any tests, tell the laboratory personnel and doctor that you take this medication.
Option D: It is not associated with changes in taste. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).