What color might urine take on if the patient is taking phenazopyridine?

When a patient takes phenazopyridine, a medication often used to relieve urinary tract pain, the urine can take on a bright orange color. This color change is due to the dye component of phenazopyridine, which is excreted in the urine and can give it a distinct vivid hue. This is a well-known and expected side effect of the medication, and it may serve as a visual indicator for healthcare providers to recognize that the patient is using this particular treatment.

The bright orange urine can be alarming for patients who may not be aware of this common side effect, but it does not indicate any health concerns related to the urine's color-change when associated with the proper use of phenazopyridine. Understanding this effect is important for both patients and healthcare providers, fostering better communication and clearer expectations regarding medication side effects.