Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: probenecid
BRAND NAME: Benemid (brand is no longer available)
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Probenecid is an oral drug used for reducing
blood uric acid levels in patients with hyperuricemia (high uric acid) and/or.
High uric acid can cause attacks of gout and kidney stones. Probenecid prevents
attacks of gout by reducing uric acid levels in the blood. It does this by
preventing the reabsorption of uric acid by the kidney and increasing its
excretion from the body in the urine. Probenecid also blocks excretion by the
kidney of penicillin and related antibiotics and is used for increasing the
levels of the antibiotics in the blood and increasing their effectiveness when
treating infections.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 0.5 g
STORAGE: Probenecid should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C
(59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Probenecid is used for the treatment of hyperuricemia
associated with gout. It also is used for increasing blood levels of
penicillin-type antibiotics (for example, ampicillin and amoxicillin) when
treating gonorrhea.
DOSING: The usual adult dose for hyperuricemia is 500 mg twice daily
and the maximum dose is 2 grams daily. When combined with penicillin type
antibiotics to treat infections, the usual dose is 500 mg 4 times daily.
Patients should drink plenty of water in order to prevent formation of kidney
stones and take probenecid with food or antacid to reduce stomach upset.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Probenecid blocks excretion of some drugs by the
kidney and, therefore, may increase blood levels and side effects of
methotrexate (Rheumatrex,
Trexall) and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example,
ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), indomethacin (Indocin),
ketorolac (Toradol)
and others. Aspirin may reduce the action of probenecid through unknown
mechanisms.
PREGNANCY: Probenecid has not been adequately studied in
pregnant
women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Probenecid has not been adequately studied in
nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects of probenecid include headache,
dizziness, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, sore gums, and fever. Probenecid may
cause a flare of gout and kidney stones, and it is not started during an acute
attack of gout. Serious but rare side effects include reduced red blood cell
counts (anemia), liver damage and severe allergic reactions.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 2/27/2009
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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