If you know about urinary tract infections (UTIs), you may have heard of Azo. It’s a common medicine you can buy without a prescription that helps with the pain and discomfort from UTIs.
When you take Azo one thing you might notice is that it can make your pee turn bright orange. This might surprise new users, but it’s a safe and temporary reaction to the medicine’s ingredients.
Understanding the duration and implications of this color change can help alleviate concerns and ensure users are informed about what to expect during their course of treatment with Azo.
In this article, we will explore the typical duration for which your urine might appear orange after taking Azo and explain the factors that can influence this change in color. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to minimize any discomfort while taking this.
What is Azo and its Purpose?
Azo is a brand name for a type of over-the-counter medication mainly used to relieve symptoms associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), like pain, burning, urgency, and frequency of urination.
The active ingredient in most Azo products aimed at UTI symptom relief is phenazopyridine hydrochloride. This substance helps to reduce pain in the urinary tract lining, making you feel better, but it doesn’t cure the infection itself.
Azo pills come in two forms: Azo Urinary Pain Relief with 95mg phenazopyridine, and Azo Urinary Pain Relief Maximum Strength with 99.5mg phenazopyridine. While Azo can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of UTIs, it does not cure the infection itself. For treating the infection, antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider are required.
Knowing About Side Effects of Azo
Azo, like many medicines, can have side effects for some people. Understanding these side effects can help you choose what’s best for your health.
Common Side Effects:
The most common side effect of Azo is the aforementioned orange or red discoloration of urine. This effect is harmless and usually fades as the medication is eliminated from the body. Some people might also experience mild stomach pain or headache.
Serious Side Effects:
Although rare, some serious side effects may occur. Users should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like:
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Severe skin reactions, including skin peeling or blisters
- Liver issues, indicated by yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Kidney problems, which can manifest as a change in the amount of urine produced
- Allergic reactions characterized by swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives; or difficulty breathing
Make sure to take the right amount and talk to a doctor if you’re worried or if UTI symptoms don’t go away after using Azo.
Most people experience orange urine after taking Azo, but some do not. Here you can find out why Azo didn’t turn your pee orange.
Azo and Orange Urine: What’s the Connection?
The bright orange color you see in your pee after taking Azo comes from the active ingredient, phenazopyridine hydrochloride. This substance gets processed in your body and leaves through the kidneys, turning your urine a vivid orange color.
This change is a harmless side effect that shows the medication is working on the urinary tract. It’s important for users to know this, so they can stay calm and informed about the changes they see while using Azo.
How Long Will My Pee Be Orange After Taking Azo?
The duration for which your urine remains orange after taking Azo can vary depending on several factors, including your hydration level, body metabolism, and how much of the medication you’ve taken.
Usually, the orange color can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours after your last Azo dose. And if you Staying well-hydrated can help the color return to normal more quickly, as it helps flush the medication out of your system.
However, if you see that orange color for more than two days, then it’s time to check with your doctor to ensure there are no underlying issues. Remember, this side effect is temporary and should resolve naturally as the body processes and eliminates the medication.
Factors Influencing How Long the Discoloration Lasts
Several factors can influence how long your urine remains orange after taking Azo, including:
1. Dosage and Frequency of Use: The amount of Azo you take and how often you take it can affect how long the orange coloration persists. Higher doses or more frequent use can lead to a longer duration of discoloration.
2. Hydration: How much water you drink is important. Drinking plenty of water can help your body get rid of phenazopyridine faster. It also helps your kidneys work better and pee more, which helps flush out the medication quickly.
3. Metabolic Rate: People who burn calories faster might get rid of phenazopyridine quicker than those with a slower metabolism. So, some folks may have the orange color for less time just because their bodies break down the drug faster.
4. Kidney Function: Since phenazopyridine is excreted through the kidneys, the efficiency of your renal system can also impact how long the medication remains in your body. Those with kidney issues might find that the orange discoloration sticks around longer because their body takes more time to filter and get rid of the medication.
Health Risks of Long-Term Orange Urine
While the bright orange urine caused by Azo is usually harmless and temporary, consistent or long-term discoloration could indicate potential health risks unrelated to Azo usage.
Extended urine discoloration may not be due to the medication but could indicate other health issues like dehydration, liver problems, or kidney issues. Dehydration can concentrate your urine, intensifying its color to dark yellow or orange, and is usually resolved by increasing water intake.
Liver or kidney issues may cause serious symptoms. So, it’s crucial to monitor any changes in urine color and seek medical advice if it lasts longer than usual or comes with other signs.
Tips for Managing Orange Urine
When your pee turns orange after taking Azo, you can do a few things to help until it goes back to normal. Here are some simple tips:
- Drink Water: Have lots of water each day to dilute your pee and get rid of the Azo faster. Aim for around 8 glasses a day.
- Check Your Pee Color: If your pee stays very orange for more than 2 days after using Azo, or if you see any other changes like a weird smell, cloudiness, or blood, talk to your doctor.
- Use Liners: To avoid staining your underwear from the orange dye, try using disposable liners while taking Azo.
- Talk to Your Doctor: If you’re worried about how Azo is affecting you or if the orange pee comes with other symptoms like stomach pain, fever, or pain when you pee, see your doctor.
- Read the Instructions: Before using Azo, read the guide that comes with it. It tells you how much to take, any interactions with other drugs, and important safety info.
By following these tips, you can manage the side effects of orange urine more effectively while benefiting from the relief that Azo offers for UTI symptoms.
People Reviewing Azo
Many people have used Azo with great success. Here’s what some users have to say about the medication:
- Anonymous female patient: “I’ve been on this med since my 20s, now 70 and it’s been a lifesaver! Minor side effects, no issues, great relief, and quick action. Just remember to stay hydrated. ?? Rose”
- KimberlyM, aged 35-44, had a negative experience with AZO standard. “After following the instructions, she ended up throwing up within an hour, with dark orange staining. She found herself spending three hours on the bathroom floor, not even able to keep water down. Even after taking 6mg of Zofran, she only felt a bit better. So, KimberlyM has made up her mind never to use this product again..”
Overall, Azo has received positive reviews for its effectiveness in relieving UTI symptoms.
You can see all the user reviews for Azo on WebMd here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Azo’s ability to turn your urine orange is a temporary, harmless side effect, signaling that the medication is doing its job. This might seem surprising or concerning at first, but understanding why it happens and knowing it’s a short-lived change should bring peace of mind.
Remember to stay hydrated, follow the dosage instructions, and consult your doctor if the color persists or if you experience any discomfort. By being informed and attentive to your body’s reactions, you can make the most out of Azo’s benefits while minimizing any inconveniences.
FAQ
Is Azo safe to take for UTIs?
Yes, Azo is considered safe for treating symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) for most people. However, it is important to use it as advised by professionals and not as a substitute for antibiotics or other treatments prescribed for the underlying infection.
How long does Azo take to work?
Azo usually relieves pain, burning, and urgency of a UTI within 20 minutes to 2 hours after taking the dose. However, the exact time it takes to work can vary depending on the individual’s metabolism, the severity of the symptoms, and other factors.
Can Azo affect the results of a urine test for infection?
Yes, Azo can interfere with urine tests for infection, especially those that rely on visual color changes. Phenazopyridine in Azo can cause the urine to turn orange or red, which might mask the presence of blood or other markers of infection. Therefore, it’s advisable to inform your healthcare provider you’re taking Azo before undergoing a urine test.
How long does your pee stay orange after taking phenazopyridine?
The duration your urine stays orange after taking phenazopyridine (Azo) varies among individuals but typically lasts for up to 24 hours after your last dose. However, some factors such as hydration levels, metabolic rate, and individual health conditions like kidney function can influence this duration, potentially extending it. To minimize the duration, maintain good hydration and follow the prescribed dosage closely.
