Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PROBENECID - ORAL

(pro-BEN-uh-sid)

Uses

Probenecid is used to prevent gout and gouty arthritis. It is not meant to be used for acute attacks of gout. Probenecid is also used along with penicillin antibiotics to increase antibiotic blood levels. This increase makes the antibiotic more effective in treating certain infections. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

How To Use

This is best taken with food or milk to prevent an upset stomach. It is advisable to drink a full glass of water with each dose and to drink at least 8 glasses (8 ounces each) of water a day while taking this medicine to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Large doses of Vitamin C should be avoided while taking this medicine as it can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

Side Effects

Nausea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, vomiting, headache, sore gums or frequent urination may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: yellowing of the eyes or skin, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, lower back pain, difficulty urinating. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction: include rash, itching, swelling dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: blood problems, kidney disease, cancer treatment, stomach ulcers, any allergies. Probenecid may cause drowsiness especially during the first few days. Use caution engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication because it may worsen your condition. Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports of problems to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of: methotrexate, penicillin antibiotics, cephalosporins (Keflex, Ceclor-like drugs), oral medicine to treat diabetes, indomethacin, ketorolac, zidovudine, dyphylline, nitrofurantoin. Aspirin and salicylate-type medicine can prevent probenecid from being fully effective. Many nonprescription products contain aspirin. Consult your pharmacist before using nonprescription medicines if you are uncertain they contain aspirin. If you are a diabetic, this medication can affect the results of Clinitest tablets. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist an alternative way to monitor your diabetes. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe vomiting, unconsciousness, or seizures.

Notes

This medication may be prescribed with another medication used to treat acute attacks of gout. Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.