Probenecid
Description
Probenecid is used for the treatment of gout and gouty arthritis (a type of arthritis resulting due to the deposition of excess uric acid crystals in the joints). It should be started at low doses and increase gradually. This medicine helps to prevent gout attacks by reducing uric acid production. It is also used as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy to make them more effective.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Probenecid
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Difficult or painful urination
- Pain in the lower back and side
- Skin Rash
- Cough
- Fever
- Weight gain
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Irregular breathing
Uses of Probenecid
What is it prescribed for?
- Gouty arthritis
- Adjunct to antibiotic therapy
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to probenecid or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Blood Dyscrasias
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with blood disorders due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Severe renal impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney insufficiency (CrCl below 30 mL/min) due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Uric acid kidney stones
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with uric acid kidney stones due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney insufficiency (CrCl below 30 mL/min).
Hydration
Drink adequate amount of water (2 liters/day) to increase the urine output and to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Allergic reactions
This medicine may cause severe allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of lips or face, etc. in some patients. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Driving or Operating machinery
This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Athletes
S5 - Diuretics and Other Masking Agents
Athletes are advised not to indulge in certain sports while using this medicine. Archery, racing, shooting and other high-risk sports should be avoided. Sportspersons should refer to the list of medicines published by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which are not to be taken while participating in specific sports events.
Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with G6PD deficiency due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age for the treatment of gout and children below 2 years of age as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Dapsone
Ganciclovir
Zidovudine
Glimepiride
Methotrexate
Tazobactam
Disease interactions
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney insufficiency (CrCl below 30 mL/min)
Peptic ulcer disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with peptic ulcer disease due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly as advised by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Drink adequate amount of water to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by inhibiting the production of uric acid in the body. It also helps to make antibiotics more effective by preventing their excretion via urine, thus prolonging their plasma levels.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antigout agents, Antibiotics Adjunct
Schedule
Schedule H
Probenecid: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019 [cited 4 April 2019]. Available from:
Probenecid - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [cited 4 April 2019]. Available from:
DailyMed - Probenecid - probenecid tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 4 April 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 12 Apr 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.