Uses
What is probenecid used for?
Probenecid is commonly used to treat gout, which is a form of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in your blood and joints.
Probenecid is sometimes taken with certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, to keep the antibiotics in your body longer.
Probenecid may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does probenecid work (mechanism of action)?
Probenecid helps with gout by removing uric acid from your body through your pee after your kidneys filter it out of your blood. Because of this mechanism, your kidneys need to be working well enough for probenecid to work.
How is probenecid supplied (dosage forms)?
Probenecid is available as 500 mg oral tablets that are taken by mouth.
How should I store probenecid?
Probenecid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep tightly closed. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of probenecid?
The most common side effects of probenecid are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Increase in your gout symptoms (gout flare) when first starting probenecid (see below)
There may be other side effects of probenecid that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of probenecid?
While less common, the most serious side effects of probenecid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Gout Flares and Kidney Problems. Probenecid may increase your gout flares before making your symptoms better. It may take several months to reduce uric acid levels enough to control your gout flares. It is very important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations, which may include taking medicine for pain and inflammation while taking probenecid, and drinking enough fluids.
Because probenecid puts more uric acid in your pee, when you first start taking probenecid you may get an increase in uric acid kidney stones. These stones may cause different issues, including:
- Blood in your pee (hematuria)
- Pain in your lower back area (flank pain, sometimes called renal colic)
- Pain in your upper back near your ribs (sometimes called costovertebral pain)
- Protein in your urine or poor kidney function (nephrotic syndrome)
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking probenecid. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Blood Disorders. Probenecid can cause blood disorders, such as aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Stop using probenecid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Severe Allergic Reactions. Probenecid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using probenecid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use probenecid?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use probenecid.
- Probenecid
- Benemid
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific probenecid products they stock.
Blood Disorders. People who have any blood disorders, known as blood dyscrasias, should not take probenecid. Some examples of blood disorders include anemia, leukopenia (low white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (low platelets). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any blood disorders.
Uric Acid Kidney Stones. People who currently have kidney stones that are made of uric acid should not take probenecid. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had, or currently have, any type of kidney stone.
Gout Attack. People who are currently having a gout attack should not take probenecid. Tell your healthcare provider if you are having a gout attack.
Drug Interactions. Certain medicines should not be taken while you are taking probenecid. Before taking probenecid, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about probenecid before using it?
Do not take probenecid unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share probenecid with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep probenecid out of the reach of children.
Because probenecid may increase the risk of uric acid kidney stones when you first start taking it, it is important to follow your healthcare professional’s advice about types of beverages and foods to avoid. Some beverages and foods may increase the risk of uric acid kidney stones.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using probenecid?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if probenecid is right for you.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- An active gout attack
- Kidney problems, including kidney stones
- A blood disorder, including anemia, leukopenia (low white blood cells), or thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how probenecid could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if probenecid passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take probenecid while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does probenecid interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between probenecid and foods or drinks. However, gout and uric acid stones associated with gout, can become worse if you have certain foods or beverages. In general, acidic foods and beverages will worsen gout. Speak to your healthcare provider about what foods and beverages to avoid.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect probenecid. However, alcohol may increase your risk for gout attacks. Speak to your healthcare provider about the risk of your gout getting worse if you drink alcohol.
Does probenecid interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using probenecid.
- Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
- A salicylate, such as aspirin or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
- An antibiotic, such as penicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin
- Pyrazinamide, which is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis
- A sulfonylurea, such as glipizide, glimepiride, and glyburide, which is used for diabetes
Probenecid may alter the blood levels of many other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with probenecid. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much probenecid?
If you or someone else has used too much probenecid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of probenecid?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Probenecid?
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