Probenecid – Oral
Medication Uses: This medication is used to prevent gout and gouty arthritis. Probenecid belongs to a class of drugs known as uricosurics. It lowers high levels of uric acid in your body by helping the kidneys to get rid of uric acid. Lowering uric acid levels may also help your kidneys. Probenecid is sometimes used along with penicillin antibiotics to increase antibiotic blood levels.
How To Use: To prevent gout, take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily with food or antacids to reduce stomach upset or as directed by your doctor. It is best to drink a full glass of water with each dose and at least another 8 glasses a day while taking this drug to prevent kidney stones. Your doctor may also instruct you on how to decrease acidity in your urine to prevent kidney stones. Dosage is based on your condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on uric acid levels and your gout symptoms. After you have been symptom-free for several months and your uric acid levels are normal, your doctor may lower your probenecid dose. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully. Probenecid should not be started during a gout attack. Wait until your current attack is over before starting this medication. Probenecid is not a pain reliever.
Side Effects: Nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting, headache, sore gums, or frequent urination may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your doctor if any of these effects persist or worsen. Lower back pain, difficult or painful urination, and a change in urine color may indicate a serious side effect. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Precautions: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to probenecid or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Consult your doctor before using this medication if you have a history of cancer treatment, a certain enzyme deficiency, kidney problems, or peptic ulcer disease. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Limit alcohol while taking this medication. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
Drug Interactions: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This drug should not be used with certain medications because a very serious interaction may occur. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Alcohol can decrease this drug’s effectiveness. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests.
Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe vomiting, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
Notes: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. If you are using this medication to treat gout, your doctor may recommend a low-purine diet.
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration: You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
