A 25-year-old female client seeks care for a possible urinary tract infection. She is prescribed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). Which medication is most likely prescribed to decrease pain and frequency?

A 25-year-old female client seeks care for a possible urinary tract infection. She is prescribed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). Which medication is most likely prescribed to decrease pain and frequency?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
• C. Morphine
• D. Ibuprofen

Answer: (B)

Relieving urinary tract discomfort while antibiotics treat the infection is best done with a urinary tract analgesic. Phenazopyridine works by acting on the lining of the urinary tract to lessen pain, burning, and the urge to void, which translates into reduced perceived pain and frequency. It provides rapid symptomatic relief, but it does not fight the infection, so it’s used alongside the antibiotic and only for a short period. A common teaching point is that urine will turn a bright orange-red color while taking it, which can stain underwear—this is expected and not harmful. Other options may reduce systemic pain or inflammation, but they don’t specifically target the urinary tract symptoms, so they’re not as effective for this purpose.

Relieving urinary tract discomfort while antibiotics treat the infection is best done with a urinary tract analgesic. Phenazopyridine works by acting on the lining of the urinary tract to lessen pain, burning, and the urge to void, which translates into reduced perceived pain and frequency. It provides rapid symptomatic relief, but it does not fight the infection, so it’s used alongside the antibiotic and only for a short period. A common teaching point is that urine will turn a bright orange-red color while taking it, which can stain underwear—this is expected and not harmful. Other options may reduce systemic pain or inflammation, but they don’t specifically target the urinary tract symptoms, so they’re not as effective for this purpose.