What side effect should the nurse teach about phenazopyridine?

What side effect should the nurse teach about phenazopyridine?

• A. Headache
• B. Orange urine
• C. Drowsiness
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (B)

Phenazopyridine contains a dye that turns urine bright orange-red. This color change is a normal, expected effect of the medication and is the key teaching point for patients. Letting patients know to expect orange urine helps prevent worry or stopping the medication prematurely, and also advises care to avoid staining clothing, linens, and contact lenses. While headaches, drowsiness, or dizziness can occur with many drugs, they are not the distinctive, defining teaching point for this medication—the orange urine change is what patients most need to understand.

Phenazopyridine contains a dye that turns urine bright orange-red. This color change is a normal, expected effect of the medication and is the key teaching point for patients. Letting patients know to expect orange urine helps prevent worry or stopping the medication prematurely, and also advises care to avoid staining clothing, linens, and contact lenses. While headaches, drowsiness, or dizziness can occur with many drugs, they are not the distinctive, defining teaching point for this medication—the orange urine change is what patients most need to understand.