Azo UTI are Azo products that give relieve from the symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). They are classified as one of over-the-counter UTI medications. All these products come with reviews from the users confirming their effectiveness. You should know that each of these products has specific functions they perform but all their potency and effectiveness is based on urinary tract infection symptoms. We will explain all Azo products for urinary tract infection, their benefits, uses and side effects if any. Before we go into that, let us briefly explain what urinary tract infection is, the symptoms and the causes.
WHAT IS URINARY TRACT INFECTION?
Urinary tract infection (UTI ) is an infection that affects any of the urinary system. This system is made up of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. This infection is most common in women than men, this is because according to the female body anatomy, the urethra is shorter than in men which reduces the distance the bacteria causing the infection must have to travel in order to reach the bladder.
When bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder, the result is urinary tract infection. The urinary tract has the ability to stand against invaders but sometimes, this defense system may fail. If there is no defense against the bacteria, they grow into infection.
SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION
Some common symptoms associated with urinary tract infection are:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urge to urinate but only small amounts of urine come out
- Strong and persistent urge to urinate
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine or red, bright pink or cola-colored urine
- Strong smelling urine
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis region
- Pressure in the lower pelvis
- Pain during sex
AZO UTI MEDICINE
There are some AZO products that are very effective in treating urinary tract infection and relieving the symptoms as well.
These products are:
1. Azo Urinary Pain Relief Maximum Strength Tablets
This product is designed to give maximum relief to symptoms of UTI which are pain, burning sensation and the urgent need to urinate. It works by targeting the exact sources of these symptoms and bring relief within 20 minutes. In fact, Azo urinary pain relief maximum strength tablets is recommended as the strongest medication for relieving UTI pain. You should know that this medication cannot cure UTI but it will relieve the symptoms of the infection.
The active ingredient in this medication is 99.5 mg of Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride (Urinary tract analgesic). Other inactive ingredients are carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, pregelatinized corn starch. There may also be corn starch.
How to use AZO urinary pain relief maximum strength tablets
- Children under the age of 12 should not take this medication without a doctor’s approval first.
- Adults and children 12 and above the age of 12 should only take 2 tablets thrice a day with meal or after eating. The dose should last for 2 days and with a full glass of water always. Do not exceed 12 tablets, that is more than 2 days.
Instructions and Side effects of AZO urinary pain relief maximum strength tablets
Common side effects of this medication are:
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Urine may have reddish-orange colour
- Stains in the mouth or teeth if you chew the tablets
Serious side effects can be experienced, some of these effects are:
- Little urine
- Swelling of the body
- Yellowing of the skin
- The skin turns blue or purple
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Pain in the lower back
If you experience any of the serious side effects, you should stop using the medications and see a doctor immediately.
Get approval from your doctor if you have or are:
- Allergies to preservatives and food additives
- Kidney disease
- Hypersensitive reaction to the active ingredient which is Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride
- Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
2. Azo Test Strips
Before taking medications for urinary tract infection, you must be sure that you have the infection. One way to find out is by taking a test, you can conduct the test at home before seeing your doctor. Azo test strip can help you know if you have UTI as it gives a quick but accurate result. Each test strip in the pack can be used to test for leukocytes (white blood cells) and nitrites so as to get reliable result.
Some of the amazing features or benefits of AZO test strip is that the result from the strip is as accurate as a doctor’s. You only need 2 minutes to have the test and see the result. The strip is very easy to use and comes with a handle that makes it difficult for your hands to come in contact with urine. You should conduct the test immediately you have some common symptoms of urinary tract infection like pain during urination, frequent urge to urinate and burning sensation.
To use the test strip:
- Hold the test strip in your urine stream for 1 or 2 seconds, make sure the strip is wet.
- Allow the strip for a minute before you read for nitrate. After 2 minutes, read the strip for leukocytes.
- Check for the meaning of the color in the strip by looking at the color block on the foil pouch.
Are there foods or medications that can affect the test result?
It is safe to use the test strip when taking most substances however, some medications have side effects that can change the normal color of your urine thereby making it difficult to match the colors properly. Drugs like tetracycline and more than 500 mg of Vitamin C in 24 hours can affect the result you will get. Also taking AZO Urinary Pain Relief can affect your result as the medication contains phenazopyridine hydrochloride. If you are unable to read the test result or cannot get the right result, you should see a doctor.
Why is morning urine the best for testing?
Just like pregnancy test, urinary tract infection test with Azo test strip should be done in the morning. This is because you will get rich sample and it is easier to get the most accurate result. The bacteria causing the infection needs enough time to change nitrates to nitrites and night time is enough time for this conversion.
Can I use AZO Test Strips during my menstrual cycle?
It is not recommended to use this test strip while on your period, this is because traces of blood can affect the test and produce a false positive result.
3. Azo Urinary Tract Defense Antibacterial Protection
This medication is taken when you first notice the signs of urinary tract infection, it will help to slow how the bacteria grows. It will also help to relieve the symptoms you are experiencing.
The active ingredients in AZO urinary tract defense antibacterial protection are 162 mg of Methenamine (Antibacterial), 162.5 mg of Sodium Salicylate (NSAID Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) and Analgesic (pain reliever). Inactive ingredients are Benzoic Acid, Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Edible black ink, FD&C Red #40 Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Lake, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Methacrylic Acid-Ethyl Acrylate Copolymer, Silica, Stearic Acid, Titanium Dioxide,Triethyl Citrate.
Dosage for AZO Urinary Tract Defense
- Adults and children 12 and over the age of 12 should take 2 tablets 3 times a day. The tablets should be taken with a full glass of water.
- Children under the age of 12 should only use if there is an approval from a doctor.
Instructions for AZO Urinary Tract Defense
Do not use this medication or see your doctor first if you:
- Have ulcers, stomach pain and other stomach problems
- Are allergic to some ingredients like salicylates u less your doctor approves of you using the tablets.
- High blood pressure
- Diuretic use
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Liver cirrhosis
- Bleeding issues
- Are taking other drugs that are NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or others)
- Are taking blood thinning medications.
4. Azo Cranberry Softgels
AZO Cranberry Softgels are formulated as a support system for the urinary tract, it flushes the tract and keeps it healthy and clean. This softgel contains vitamin C to boost the body’s immune system. The product is made with cranberries and clinically proven Pacran that helps flush and keep the urinary tract clean. The gels are soft to swallow and can be taken everyday as a dietary supplement to maintain the health of the urinary tract.
Is Azo cranberry available in more than one form?
There are three forms of this medication that doubles as a dietary supplement. There are caplets with Vitamin C and a probiotic; there is also softgel with cranberry flavor that is easy to swallow. The last form is also cranberry but in a mixed-berry flavored gummy form. These medications are not made with sugar or artificial flavors, they are made with natural flavor. There is also no caffeine, lactose or gluten in this product.
5. Azo D-Mannose
Azo D-Mannose is formulated to flush the urinary tract, keep it clean while protecting it against attachment to bacteria. It comes in capsules and made with natural ingredients that are gotten from fruits. It is made with active ingredients which are 10 calories, 2g of total carbohydrates, 2g of total sugars, 2g of added sugars and 2000 mg of D-Mannose. Other ingredients are Hydroxypropyl, Methylcellulose, Magnesium Stearate.
Azo D-Mannose does the same work as AZO Cranberry but in cases where the Cranberry cannot work for everyone, D-Mannose is used. You can so take AZO D-Mannose everyday as a dietary supplement. You can take 4 capsules once a day either with food or on an empty stomach.
6. Azo Dual Protection
The balance of the vaginal microbiome can be disrupted as a result of stress, sex, certain medications and hormonal changes. AZO Dual Protection is formulated to support the microbiome and protect the urinary tract against bacteria. It can also restore how good bacteria and yeast in the vagina interact to avoid infections.
These capsules are made with main ingredients which are calories, carbohydrates, sugar, Intelliflora Blend, PreforPro Blend, Myoviridae LL12, Myoviridae T4D, Siphoviridae LL5, Myoviridae LH01, Lactobacillus jensenii LBV 116, Lactobacillus gasseri LBV 150N, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LBV 96, and Lactobacillus crispatus LBV 88. Other ingredients are Microcrystalline cellulose, fructooligosaccharide, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide (color), carmine (color), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
You are to take one capsule every day and at any time of the day.
AZO UTI REVIEWS
There has been reviews about all Azo UTI products and it is safe to say that there have all been good and positive. According to ratings on WebMD, users rated the products 3.7 stars out of 5. The effectiveness, ease of use, and satisfaction were all rated above 3.5. This mean that Azo for UTI are effective and can perform the functions for which they were made.
Ratings from Amazon customers were 4.7 out of 5 and 83 percent of users have the products 5 stars. Most of the reviews were positive as well. Azo products for UTI recorded an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 from a total of 18 ratings. 67% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 6% reported a negative experience.
CONCLUSION
Azo UTI products are very effective in relieving the symptoms of urinary tract infection, keeping the urinary tract health and clean, and also give accurate result if used properly. You can get any of the products from pharmacies, hospitals and online stores like Amazon, Walmart, Kroger, Cvs and others.