Probenecid

To prevent gout, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily with food or antacids to reduce stomach upset. It is best to drink a full glass of water with each dose and at least another 8 glasses (8 ounces each) a day while taking this drug in order to prevent kidney stones. If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions. Your doctor may also instruct you on how to decrease acidity in your urine (such as by avoiding large amounts of ascorbic acid/vitamin C) to prevent kidney stones. Your doctor may order other medications (such as sodium bicarbonate, citrate) to make your urine less acidic.

The dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to take a low dose at first, then adjust your dose based on uric acid levels and your gout symptoms. After you have been symptom-free for several months and your uric acid levels are normal, your doctor may lower your probenecid dose to the lowest effective dose. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

Probenecid should not be started during a sudden/severe gout attack. Wait until your current attack is over before starting this medication. You may experience an increase in the number of gout attacks for several months after starting this medicine while the body removes extra uric acid. If you have a gout attack while taking probenecid, keep taking it along with your medications for gout pain.

Probenecid is not a pain reliever. To relieve pain from gout, continue to take your medicines prescribed for pain from gout attacks (such as colchicine, ibuprofen, indomethacin) as directed by your doctor.

If you are taking this medication to raise the level of antibiotics in your body, follow your doctor's directions for when to take the antibiotic and when to take the probenecid.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as uric acid blood levels, liver/kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you are using this medication to treat gout, your doctor may recommend a low-purine diet. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Before taking probenecid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood counts (such as aplastic anemia, bone marrow depression), cancer treatment, a certain enzyme deficiency (G6PD), kidney problems (such as kidney stones, obstruction), peptic ulcer disease.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Alcohol may also decrease this drug's effectiveness.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially stomach problems.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting, headache, sore gums, or frequent urination may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: lower back pain, difficult/painful urination, change in amount/color of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), severe abdominal pain, pale stools, unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.