Probenecid is used to reduce the high level of uric acid in your body.
Build-up of uric acid in your body can cause gout, gouty arthritis, kidney or urinary tract stones. This medicine is used to prevent or treat these conditions.
High uric acid levels may also occur in people who take a type of medicine called a diuretic or a "water pill". Probenecid may also be prescribed in this instance.
This medicine may also be used together with certain antibiotics to enhance the effect of the antibiotics.
Take Probenecid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instruction on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be taken with food. Your doctor may give you some antacids to be taken with Probenecid. The antacids will minimise any stomach discomfort that this medicine may cause.
Probenecid must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you:
- have any blood disorders
- have kidney stones
- are taking Probenecid for the first time and having a sudden gout attack
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Probenecid with aspirin (medicine for pain and inflammation).
Do not give this medicine to children below 2 years old unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have stomach ulcer and kidney disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Probenecid may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, fever, indigestion, hair loss, loss of appetite, redness of skin or face, painful gums, nausea, vomiting, and the need to pass urine more often.
This medicine may also cause increase in gout attacks during start of treatment. Let your doctor know if you experience gout attacks frequently.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with skin peeling or blisters / rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- pale yellow skin, weakness, and breathlessness
- severe pain on your lower back or sides
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Probenecid with aspirin (medicine for pain and inflammation).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- antibiotics or antivirals such as e.g. penicillin, ciprofoloxacin, ganciclovir
- medicines for viral infection e.g. ganciclovir, acyclovir
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. captopril, enalapril
- medicines for anxiety e.g. lorazepam
- medicines for TB disease e.g. rifampicin, pyrazinamide
- allopurinol (other medicine for gout)
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. paracetamol, naproxen
- medicines to block pain and other sensations e.g. thiopental midazolam
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Probenecid.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
In order to prevent future gout attacks, it is important to be mindful of your diet:
Avoid excessive alcohol intake. Maintain adequate hydration.
Avoid foods high in purine, such as organ meat, seafood and oily fish. Other foods with purine content, such as meat, poultry, fish, may be eaten in moderation.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet low in highly processed foods and refined sugar (sugar that is commonly found in processed foods including soda drinks, candies, canned fruits).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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