Generic Name: probenecid (proe BEN a sid)
Brand Names: Benemid
What is probenecid?
Probenecid helps your body pass uric acid out through the urine, which lowers the levels of uric acid in the body.
Probenecid is used to treat gout and gouty arthritis. Probenecid is also sometimes given together with penicillin antibiotics to make them more effective.
Probenecid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about probenecid?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to probenecid, or if you have uric acid kidney stones, a gout attack that has already started, or a blood cell disorder such as anemia, or decreased white blood cells. Probenecid should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
Before taking probenecid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease, a history of stomach ulcer, or if you have ever had kidney stones.
Drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones while you are taking probenecid.
Probenecid may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, other medications, and mineral supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Call your doctor at once if you have worsening gout symptoms, severe pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, swelling, fever, pale or yellowed skin, or dark-colored urine.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking probenecid?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to probenecid, or if you have:
uric acid kidney stones;
a gout attack that has already started; or
a blood cell disorder such as anemia, or decreased white blood cells.
Before taking probenecid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
kidney disease;
a history of stomach ulcer; or
if you have ever had kidney stones.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take probenecid.
Probenecid may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether probenecid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Probenecid should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
How should I take probenecid?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones while you are taking probenecid.
Probenecid may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, other medications, and mineral supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood or urine may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
If you are taking probenecid together with an antibiotic, be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking probenecid. This medication may affect your body's response to anesthesia. Store probenecid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
See also: Probenecid dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.
What should I avoid while taking probenecid?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using probenecid.
Probenecid side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
worsening gout symptoms;
severe pain in your side or lower back;
blood in your urine;
swelling, especially in your face, stomach, ankles, or feet; or
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness.
Less serious side effects may include:
urinating more than usual;
mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
headache, dizziness;
sore gums;
mild itching or skin rash;
hair loss; or
warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Probenecid Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Gout:
Initial : 250 mg orally every 12 hours for 1 week.
Maintenance: 500 mg orally every 12 hours.
The dose may be further increased on a monthly basis in 500 mg increments until serum uric acid levels have normalized. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 2 g.
Due to an initial increased risk of gouty attacks, concomitant prophylactic colchicine or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent is recommended during the first 3 to 6 months of probenecid therapy. In addition, patients should be instructed to drink approximately two liters of fluid per day to prevent the formation of uric acid stones.
Usual Adult Dose for Adjunct to Antibiotic Therapy:
1 g orally one time for patients treated for uncomplicated gonorrhea with ampicillin or cefuroxime.
500 mg orally 4 times a day for 10 to 14 days for patients treated for neurosyphilis with penicillin G procaine.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Adjunct to Antibiotic Therapy:
2 to 14 years:
Initial: 25 mg/kg orally as a single dose or 0.7 g/m2 orally as a single dose to prolong penicillin levels.
Maintenance: 10 mg/kg/day orally or 1.2 g/m2/day orally administered as equally divided doses 4 times a day.
What other drugs will affect probenecid?
Many drugs can interact with probenecid. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:
- lorazepam (Ativan);
methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane);
diabetes medication you take by mouth;
an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), meclofenamate (Meclomen), or naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn);
salicylates such as aspirin, Novasal, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others; or
a sulfa drug such as Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra, SMX/TMP, and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with probenecid. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More probenecid resources
- Probenecid Side Effects (in more detail)
- Probenecid Dosage
- Probenecid Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Probenecid Drug Interactions
- Probenecid Support Group
- 1 Review for Probenecid - Add your own review/rating
- probenecid Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Probenecid Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Probenecid Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Probenecid Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Probenecid MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare probenecid with other medications
- Adjunct to Antibiotic Therapy
- Gout
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about probenecid.
See also: probenecid side effects (in more detail)
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