Probenecid (By Mouth)

Probenecid (proe-BEN-e-sid)

Treats gout, gouty arthritis, and other problems caused by too much uric acid in your body. Also helps some antibiotics work better.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to probenecid. Children under 2 years of age should not take probenecid.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered. Keep taking your medicine, even if you think it is not working or if you take other medicines for gout attacks. The attacks should become shorter and less painful after several months.
• Drink 10 to 12 full glasses of liquids each day unless your doctor tells you differently.
• May be taken with food, milk, or antacids to avoid stomach upset.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next usual dose. wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• To help prevent gout attacks, avoid beer, wine, liquor, and purine-rich foods, such as liver, anchovies, sardines, kidney, and lentils.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking cancer medicines, heparin, aspirin, Indocin®, Orudis®, methotrexate, nitrofurantoin (Furadantin®), or zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have cancer and are being treated for it, blood or kidney disease, or stomach ulcers.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking this medicine.
• For people with diabetes, probenecid may cause incorrect results on some tests to check for sugar in urine (Clinitest®).

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Swelling around the eyes or eyelids
• Skin rash, severe itching, or hives
• Unexplained fever or sore throat
• Bloody urine or pain when urinating

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Flushing (redness) in the face

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.