Probenecid Description

Generic Name : PROBENECID

Pronunciation : (proe ben' e sid)

Trade Name(s) : Benecid

Why it is prescribed: Probenecid is used to treat certain types of chronic gout and arthritis but not gout attacks. It acts on the kidneys to help the body eliminate uric acid in the urine. Probenecid also is used to make certain antibiotics more effective by preventing the body from passing them in the urine.

When it is to be taken: Probenecid usually is taken two times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.

How it should be taken: Probenecid comes in tablets. Your prescription labels tells you how much to take at each dose. Take this drug with food or an antacid to prevent stomach upset.

Special Instruction :
1. Drink at least six to eight full glasses of water or fruit juice each day, unless your doctor specifically tells you to limit the amount of fluids you drink.
2. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to do so. You may start with a small dose and then gradually increase the amount you take.
3. Keep all appointments with your doctor so that your dose can be adjusted as needed.
4. If you have gout, probenecid may increase the frequency of attacks during the first six to 12 months that you take it, although it eventually will reduce their frequency.
5. Your doctor probably will prescribe another drug to be taken with probenecid to prevent attacks during this period.
6. Attacks usually are less severe and shorter in duration after several months of probenecid treatment.
7. Contact your doctor if the frequency, severity, or duration of gout attacks increases and you have taken your medication as instructed.
8. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time for your next scheduled dose, omit the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. Take this medication with food or an antacid. If stomach upsets continue, contact your doctor.
2. Headaches, dizziness, flushing, sore gums, hair loss, frequent urination. If these are severe or persist, contact your doctor. Skin rash, fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue, bloody urine, lower back pain, painful urination. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take probenecid, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially aminosalicyclic acid, antibiotics, aspirin, dapsone, diuretics, indomethacin, methotrexate, nitrofurantoin, oral medication for diabetes, and pyrazinamide.
2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or take aspirin or any medication containing aspirin. Both alcohol and aspirin can affect the way your body responds to probenecid.
3. If you need something to relieve minor pain or fever, ask your doctor to recommend a substitute for aspirin.
4. Before you take probenecid, tell your doctor if you have a history of ulcers, blood disease, kidney stones or kidney disease or if you are receiving cancer chemotherapy.
5. Although probenecid has been taken by pregnant women without harm to the unborn baby, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
6. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, tell the doctor that you take probenecid.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.