Type of medicine: antigout; uricosuric
Generic and brand names: probenecid, oral
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat gout or gouty arthritis by removing excess uric acid from your body. With time, it will help prevent gout attacks, but does not treat a gout attack that has already started. It is also used with certain antibiotics to make them more effective.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take this medicine with food or an antacid to prevent stomach upset. If stomach upset continues, tell your healthcare provider.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider, especially if your healthcare provider prescribes other medicines for gout. It may take several months before you see the full effect of this medicine.
You need to drink plenty of water or other liquid (10 glasses a day) to prevent kidney stones.
When you are taking this medicine with antibiotics, follow your healthcare provider's instructions about how and when to take this medicine and any antacids your healthcare provider may prescribe.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, seizures, coma.
You may need to take this medicine for several months before it decreases the frequency of gout attacks. You must take it regularly for it to work. Your healthcare provider will prescribe other medicines to treat an attack.
Aspirin and other salicylates make this medicine less effective. Alcohol increases uric acid in the blood. Do not take aspirin or drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care or surgery, tell the healthcare provider you are taking this medicine.
Your healthcare provider will follow you regularly to see how this medicine affects you and you may need to have blood tests. Keep all appointments.
Follow the diet program your healthcare provider recommends. Certain food or drinks may cause gout attacks. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat.
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Painful urination, lower back pain, unusual bruising or bleeding, back or tarry stools, blood in urine, severe vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, unexplained fever or sore throat, yellowing of skin or eyes.
Other: Loss of appetite, headache, mild nausea, frequent urination, dizziness, sore gums.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Note: Probenecid is sometimes used to prolong the action of these and possibly other medicines. Check with your healthcare provider because you may need a change in dosage.
Do not drink alcohol while you take this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
