Probenecid
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
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 also
is used to make certain antibiotics more effective by preventing the body from passing
them in the urine.
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.
Precautions for 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 Benemid or
Probalan, 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.
Side effects of Probenecid
Although side effects from Probenecid 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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