35.3 Urinary Analgesics

3 min readjune 18, 2024

are a lifesaver for those dealing with bladder pain and discomfort. These meds work by reducing inflammation and irritation in the bladder, providing much-needed relief from symptoms like frequent urination and pain when peeing.

When taking , it's crucial to know about potential side effects and interactions. Orange pee? That's normal with some meds. Feeling dizzy or nauseous? Let your doctor know. Stay hydrated and avoid like caffeine for best results.

Urinary Analgesics

Key features and uses of urinary analgesics

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  • Medications used to treat bladder pain and discomfort associated with various conditions including (IC), painful bladder syndrome (PBS), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and overactive bladder (OAB)
  • Provide pain relief by reducing inflammation and irritation in the bladder, improve urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and dysuria, and may have a local anesthetic effect on the bladder lining
  • Examples include phenazopyridine (Pyridium) and ()

Mechanism of action, side effects, and drug interactions

  • Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) acts as a local anesthetic on the urinary tract lining, reducing pain and discomfort
    • Side effects include orange or red discoloration of urine and contact lenses, gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), headache and dizziness
    • May interact with other medications that cause central nervous system depression (opioids, benzodiazepines)
  • Pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron) believed to form a protective layer on the bladder lining, reducing inflammation and pain
    • Side effects include gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain), headache and dizziness, and alopecia
    • May interact with (warfarin) and increase the risk of bleeding

Nursing considerations when administering urinary analgesics

  • Assess patient's medical history, allergies, and current medications before administering
  • Monitor patient for therapeutic response and adverse effects by assessing pain levels, urinary symptoms, and observing for signs of gastrointestinal upset or central nervous system depression
  • Educate patients about proper use, potential side effects, and important precautions such as advising about discoloration of urine and contact lenses with phenazopyridine and encouraging reporting of any severe or persistent side effects
  • Ensure proper dosing and administration by following prescribed dosage and frequency and administering with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset, if appropriate

Patient education plan for safe and effective use

  • Provide clear instructions on how to take the medication including dose, frequency, duration of treatment, and importance of completing the full course of treatment, if applicable
  • Discuss potential side effects and when to seek medical attention, including common side effects and how to manage them and signs and symptoms of severe adverse reactions
  • Emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding bladder irritants by encouraging patients to drink plenty of water and advising to limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
  • Remind patients to inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, and potential drug interactions and the need for dose adjustments
  • Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor treatment progress and address any concerns

Key Terms to Review (28)

Amitriptyline: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant medication that is also used to treat various types of chronic pain, including migraine headaches and certain urinary conditions. It works by altering the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood and reduce pain perception.
Antiarrhythmics: Antiarrhythmics are a class of medications used to treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. They work by altering the electrical activity of the heart, helping to restore a normal, regular heartbeat. Antiarrhythmics are particularly relevant in the context of 35.3 Urinary Analgesics, as some of these medications can interact with or impact the cardiovascular system.
Anticholinergic: Anticholinergics are drugs that block the action of acetylcholine in the nervous system. They are used to treat various conditions, including those affecting the heart and respiratory systems.
Anticholinergic: Anticholinergic drugs are a class of medications that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for various physiological functions in the body. This term is particularly relevant in the contexts of anti-Parkinsonian drugs, cardiac emergency drugs, and urinary analgesics, as these medications can exhibit anticholinergic effects.
Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants are a class of medications that help prevent the formation of blood clots by interfering with the normal clotting process. They are widely used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events in patients with various medical conditions.
Antihistamine: Antihistamines are a class of medications that work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. They are commonly used to alleviate symptoms associated with allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and inflammation.
Bladder Diary: A bladder diary, also known as a voiding diary or micturition chart, is a tool used to record information about a person's urinary patterns and bladder function. It is commonly employed in the assessment and management of various urinary tract disorders, including overactive bladder, incontinence, and other urinary problems.
Bladder Irritants: Bladder irritants are substances that can cause irritation, inflammation, and discomfort in the bladder, leading to various urinary symptoms. These irritants are particularly relevant in the context of 35.3 Urinary Analgesics, as they can contribute to the need for pain management in the urinary tract.
Bladder pain syndrome: Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) is a chronic condition characterized by pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region. It often results in frequent urination and can significantly affect quality of life.
Bladder Pain Syndrome: Bladder pain syndrome, also known as interstitial cystitis, is a chronic condition characterized by pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort related to the bladder, often accompanied by an urgent and frequent need to urinate. This term is particularly relevant in the context of 35.3 Urinary Analgesics, as these medications may be used to manage the symptoms associated with this condition.
Elmiron: Elmiron, also known as pentosan polysulfate sodium, is a medication primarily used to treat interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder condition characterized by pelvic pain and discomfort. It is classified as a urinary analgesic, meaning it helps alleviate pain and discomfort associated with certain urinary tract disorders.
GAG Layer: The GAG (Glycosaminoglycan) layer is a protective barrier found on the surface of the bladder and urethra. It acts as a defense mechanism, preventing irritants and harmful substances from entering the underlying tissues and causing inflammation or pain.
Glycosaminoglycan: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are long, unbranched polysaccharides composed of repeating disaccharide units. They are a major component of the extracellular matrix and play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including the context of urinary analgesics.
Hair Loss: Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows. It can occur due to a variety of factors, including medical conditions, medications, and environmental factors. In the context of 35.3 Urinary Analgesics, hair loss may be a potential side effect or adverse reaction associated with the use of certain urinary analgesic medications.
Interstitial cystitis: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and are often associated with urinary frequency and urgency.
Interstitial Cystitis: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic and debilitating bladder condition characterized by pelvic pain, pressure, and discomfort associated with a full or empty bladder. It is a complex disorder that involves inflammation of the bladder wall and altered bladder sensations, often without a clear underlying cause.
Kegels: Kegels are a set of exercises that involve the repeated contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises are commonly recommended to help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, urethra, and other pelvic organs, with benefits that span across various urinary and sexual health concerns.
MAOIs: MAOIs, or Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, are a class of medications primarily used to treat depression. They work by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. By preventing this breakdown, MAOIs can lead to an increase in the availability of these neurotransmitters, helping to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
Mast Cells: Mast cells are immune cells that play a crucial role in the body's inflammatory and allergic responses. They are found in various tissues, particularly those exposed to the external environment, and are known for their ability to release a variety of potent chemical mediators upon activation.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of medications that work by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This action leads to increased levels of these neurotransmitters, which can have therapeutic effects in the treatment of various mental health conditions.
Neuropathic Pain: Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain that arises from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. It is characterized by a variety of unpleasant sensations, including burning, tingling, and shooting pains, that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. This key term is particularly relevant in the context of 35.3 Urinary Analgesics, as certain medications in this class may be used to manage neuropathic pain conditions.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition where the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor, which support the pelvic organs, are weakened or not functioning properly. This can lead to a variety of urinary, bowel, and sexual problems.
Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium: Pentosan polysulfate sodium is a synthetic compound that acts as a urinary analgesic, helping to relieve bladder pain and discomfort. It is primarily used to manage interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder condition characterized by pelvic pain and pressure.
Phenazopyridine hydrochloride: Phenazopyridine hydrochloride is a urinary analgesic used to relieve pain, burning, and discomfort caused by urinary tract infections or irritation. It works by exerting a local anesthetic effect on the mucosa of the urinary tract.
Tricyclic Antidepressant: Tricyclic antidepressants are a class of medications primarily used to treat depression by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are called 'tricyclic' due to their chemical structure, which contains three fused rings.
Urinary analgesics: Urinary analgesics are medications used to relieve pain, burning, and discomfort in the lower urinary tract. They do not treat infections but provide symptomatic relief.
Urinary Analgesics: Urinary analgesics are a class of medications that provide pain relief specifically for the urinary tract. These drugs work by reducing inflammation, relaxing the muscles, and/or blocking pain signals in the bladder, urethra, and other parts of the urinary system.
Urothelium: The urothelium, also known as the transitional epithelium, is a specialized type of epithelial tissue that lines the urinary tract, including the bladder, ureters, and urethra. It serves as a protective barrier against the potentially harmful substances present in urine, while also playing a crucial role in the regulation of urinary function.
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