Is Uristat Ultra Urinary Pain Relief Tablets Safe?
Generic: Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride
Generally yes, Uristat Ultra (phenazopyridine) is safe for temporary relief of urinary tract pain, burning, and urgency. It works quickly to soothe symptoms but does not treat the underlying infection, so it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Who Should Avoid or Consult First
- People with kidney disease
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Children under 12 years old
- People with liver disease
- Individuals with a rare blood disorder called G6PD deficiency
Common Side Effects
- Orange or reddish-brown urine — expected in nearly all users. This is harmless but can stain clothing.
- Stomach upset or nausea — reported in ~1 in 10 users.
- Headache — common.
- Dizziness — less common.
- Yellowish skin or eyes — rare, but can indicate the medication is building up in your body due to kidney issues.
Interactions to Watch For
Phenazopyridine can interfere with the results of various urine tests, including those for sugar, ketones, protein, and bilirubin, potentially leading to inaccurate readings.
People Also Ask
Can I take Uristat Ultra while pregnant?
It is generally not recommended to take Uristat Ultra during pregnancy or while breastfeeding without first consulting your doctor. While some studies suggest it may be safe, more research is needed, and your doctor can weigh the benefits against any potential risks.
How long can I take Uristat Ultra?
Uristat Ultra is meant for short-term use, typically for no more than two days. If your symptoms persist beyond two days, or if they worsen, you should stop taking the medication and see a doctor immediately, as it may indicate a more serious condition or an untreated infection.
What happens if I drink alcohol with Uristat Ultra?
There are no known direct interactions between Uristat Ultra and alcohol. However, alcohol can irritate the bladder and potentially worsen urinary symptoms, so it's generally advisable to avoid it when experiencing a urinary tract infection.
Can children take Uristat Ultra?
Uristat Ultra is not recommended for children under 12 years old unless specifically advised and monitored by a doctor. Dosage for children needs to be carefully determined by a healthcare professional.
Will Uristat Ultra cure my UTI?
No, Uristat Ultra does not cure a urinary tract infection. It only provides temporary relief from the pain, burning, and urgency associated with UTIs. You will still need antibiotics or other specific treatment from a doctor to clear the infection itself.
Bottom Line
Uristat Ultra is a safe and effective way to quickly relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of a UTI, but it's crucial to remember it only masks the pain and does not treat the underlying infection. Always see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of a suspected UTI, even if your symptoms improve with Uristat Ultra.
References
- 1.FDA Drug Label — Wallgreens Maximum Strength Urinary Pain Relief
FDA DailyMed: Wallgreens Maximum Strength Urinary Pain Relief · FDA
- 2.Medications and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: an evidence-based review.
Youngster I, Arcavi L, Schechmaster R, et al., Drug safety, 2010 · PubMed
- 3.Repair of Vesicovaginal Fistulae: A Systematic Review.
Thompson JC, Halder GE, Jeppson PC, et al., Obstetrics and gynecology, 2024 · PubMed
- 4.Phenazopyridine hydrochloride: the use and abuse of an old standby for UTI.
Gaines KK, Urologic nursing, 2004 · PubMed
- 5.Phenazopyridine and phenazopyridine hydrochloride.
IARC monographs on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans, 1980 · PubMed
- 6.Flavoxate in the symptomatic treatment of overactive bladder: a meta-analysis.
Sweeney P, Mutambirwa S, Van An N, et al., European review for medical and pharmacological sciences, 2016 · PubMed
Want the full pharmacist analysis?
See full review of Uristat Ultra Urinary Pain Relief TabletsEducational content based on FDA labeling, published research, and pharmacist review. Not a substitute for individualized medical advice.