colchicine/probenecid - oral, Col-Benemid
GENERIC NAME: COLCHICINE/PROBENECID - ORAL (COAL-cheh-seen/pro-BEN-uh-sid)
BRAND NAME(S): Col-Benemid
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is a combination of probenecid and colchicine. It is used to prevent gout and gouty arthritis in people who have frequent severe gout attacks. Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. When uric acid levels in the blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints. Usually gout symptoms develop suddenly and involve only one or a few joints. The big toe, knee, or ankle joints are most often affected.Probenecid belongs to a class of drugs known as uricosurics. It works by speeding up the removal of uric acid by your kidneys. This decreases uric acid in the blood. Colchicine works by decreasing swelling and lessening the build up of uric acid crystals that cause pain in the affected joint(s).This combination product is not a pain medication. You should not begin treatment with this medication during a sudden gout attack (flare). Doing so may worsen your pain during the attack. Follow your doctor's directions for treating a sudden/severe gout attack before you start taking this product.This product should not be used in children younger than 2 years.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, this medication may be taken with food or antacid. To prevent kidney stones while taking this drug, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Taking products such as sodium bicarbonate and avoiding large amounts of vitamin C can also help reduce your risk for kidney stones. Ask your doctor for more details.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk for serious side effects, do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than directed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and adjust your dose during treatment with this medication.After starting this medication, you may have an increase in the number of gout attacks while your body gets rid of extra uric acid. This may last for several months until the uric acid in your blood is lowered. Do not stop taking this drug if you have a sudden gout attack. Continue taking it along with the medications (such as colchicine, ibuprofen, indomethacin) prescribed by your doctor for gout pain.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.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 does not improve or if it worsens.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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