$Unique_ID{BRK02106}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PROBENECID}
$Subject{Benemid (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
Probalan (Lannett)
probenecid (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PROBENECID
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Benemid (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
     Probalan (Lannett)
     probenecid (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Uricosuric (antigout preparation)
INGREDIENT:
     probenecid
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (500 mg)
STORAGE:
     Probenecid should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Probenecid is used to prevent gout attacks.  It increases the elimination
of uric acid (the chemical responsible for the symptoms of gout) through the
kidneys.  Probenecid is also occasionally used in combination with penicillin
or ampicillin to increase the length of time that the antibiotics remain in
the bloodstream.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you may take probenecid with a full
glass of water or milk.  You should also drink at least ten to 12 full
eight-ounce glasses of liquids (not alcoholic beverages) each day to prevent
formation of uric acid kidney stones.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Dizziness, frequent urination, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, rash,
sore gums, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
fatigue, fever, flushing, lower back pain, painful or difficult urination,
sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Probenecid interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Aspirin and pyrazinamide antagonize (act against) the antigout effects
of probenecid.
     2. The blood levels of methotrexate, sulfonamide antibiotics,
nitrofurantoin, oral antidiabetic medicines, ketoprofen, naproxen,
indomethacin, rifampin, sulindac, dapsone, and clofibrate can be increased by
probenecid, which can lead to an increase in side effects.
     3. Alcohol, chlorthalidone, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, or thiazide
diuretics (water pills) can increase blood uric acid levels, which can
decrease the effectiveness of probenecid.
     Before starting to take probenecid, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to probenecid.
     * Before starting to take probenecid, be sure to tell your doctor if you
now have or if you have ever had blood diseases, diabetes mellitus,
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, kidney stones, peptic
ulcers, or porphyria.
     * Diabetics using Clinitest urine glucose tests may get erroneously high
readings of blood sugar levels while they are taking this drug.  Temporarily
changing to Clinistix or Tes-Tape urine tests will avoid this problem.
     * If probenecid makes you dizzy, do not take part in any activity that
requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous
machinery.
     * Avoid taking large amounts of vitamin C while on probenecid.  Vitamin C
can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
     * Probenecid is not effective during an attack of gout.  It is used to
prevent attacks.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although probenecid
appears to be safe, it does cross the placenta.  Extensive studies in pregnant
women have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether probenecid passes into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
