Probenecid (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed

Probenecid is used to treat chronic gout and gouty arthritis. It is used to prevent attacks related to gout, not treat them once they occur. It acts on the kidneys to help the body eliminate uric acid. Probenecid is also used to make certain antibiotics more effective by preventing the body from passing them in the urine.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used

Probenecid comes in a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two times a day when prescribed for chronic gout or gouty arthritis and four times a day when prescribed with antibiotics to make them more effective. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take probenecid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Probenecid may increase the frequency of gout attacks during the first 6-12 months that you take it, although it will eventually prevent them. Another drug, such as colchicine, may be prescribed to decrease this effect.

What special precautions should I follow

Before taking probenecid:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to probenecid or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aminosalicylic acid, antibiotics, aspirin, cancer chemotherapy agents (methotrexate), clofibrate (Atromid-S), dapsone, diflunisal (Dolobid), diuretics ('water pills'), heparin, indomethacin (Indocin), medication for anxiety, nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid), oral diabetes medications, pyrazinamide, salsalate (Disalcid), and vitamins. Because aspirin products may affect the way your body responds to probenecid, you should avoid them while taking probenecid. If you need something to relieve minor pain or fever, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend an aspirin substitute, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ulcers, kidney stones, a kidney disorder, or a blood disorder.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking probenecid, call your doctor immediately.
• tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery involving a general anesthetic.
• if you are having any urine tests done, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking probenecid because *it may affect the results of the test.

What special dietary instructions should I follow

Drink at least six to eight full glasses of water a day while taking probenecid to prevent kidney stones, unless directed to do otherwise by your doctor.

Probenecid may cause an upset stomach. Take with food or antacids.

What should I do if I forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Mild side effects

Probenecid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• dizziness

Severe side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• unusual bleeding or bruising

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to probenecid.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Col-Probenecid®