Probenecid

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.

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.

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

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headache</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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vomiting</li>
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loss of appetite</li>
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dizziness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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severe skin rash</li>
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difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
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unusual bleeding or bruising</li></ul>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 <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

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 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.

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.