Probenecid Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Probenecid Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Benemid

What is this medicine?

PROBENECID (proe BEN e sid) helps to remove excess uric acid from the body. This medicine is used to prevent gouty attacks. It is also used to increase the amount of time that some antibiotics stay in the body.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• acute gouty attack
• blood disorders or disease
• kidney disease, or kidney stones
• recent radiation therapy
• stomach ulcers
• an unusual or allergic reaction to probenecid, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not use this medicine in children under 2 years old.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• ketorolac
• methotrexate
• topiramate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• acetaminophen
• alcohol
• antibiotics including penicillins, sulfonamides
• antiviral medicines such as acyclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir
• lorazepam
• meclofenamate
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for sleep during surgery
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• pyrazinamide
• rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

It may take several months before you see the full effect of this medicine. It is only effective if you keep taking it regularly even if you have an attack of gout. Your prescriber or health care professional will prescribe other tablets to treat an acute attack.

Aspirin and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can make this medicine less effective. Do not treat yourself for headaches or pain. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Check with your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.

This medicine can interfere with some urine glucose tests. If you use such tests talk with your health care professional.