Pyridium for Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections, although easily curable, can also be extremely painful. Pyridium, a prescription pain reliever, can ease the discomfort while you wait for the infection to clear.

Significance

• According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, people experiencing UTI symptoms schedule more than 8 million doctor appointments each year. Women in general are at a greater risk than men, as well as people who use catheters and those who have multiple sex partners.

The Facts

• Foreign bacteria, such as E. coli, can travel to your bladder through the urethra, causing the bladder to become inflamed. Left untreated, a UTI can develop into a kidney infection.

Function

• Drugs.com says Pyridium is an oral analgesic medication that numbs the lining of the urinary tract so you feel less pain, especially during urination.

Side Effect

• Pyridium turns urine red or orange. Colored urine can stain fabric, but does not indicate a medical problem. Use a panty liner or white undergarments that can be bleached while on this medication.

Warning

• Pyridium only masks pain---it is not a cure for a urinary tract infection. If you experience pain or discomfort when urinating, seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and antibiotics.