Benemid or Probalan
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
Benemid or Probalan 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. Benemid or
Probalan also is used to make certain antibiotics more effective by preventing the body
from passing them in the urine.
Benemid or Probalan 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.
Precautions for taking Benemid or Probalan
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Benemid or Probalan 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 Benemid or
Probalan, you should avoid them while taking Benemid or Probalan. 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 Benemid or Probalan, 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 Benemid or Probalan because it may affect the results of the test.
Side effects of Benemid or Probalan
Although side effects from Benemid or Probalan are not common, they can occur. Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- dizziness
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- severe skin rash
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- unusual bleeding or bruising
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