Health Library

Probenecid (By mouth)

Probenecid (proe-BEN-e-sid)

Lowers uric acid levels in your body to treat gout and gouty arthritis. Also helps some antibiotics work better.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• This medicine does not treat a gout attack that is happening. The attacks should become shorter and less painful over several weeks or months.
• Drink 10 to 12 full glasses of liquids each day unless your doctor tells you differently. This will help to prevent kidney stones.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how probenecid works. Tell your doctor if you also use any of the following:
  • Methotrexate
  • Salicylate medicine, such as aspirin, topical medicine to treat pain, acne medicine, or medicine to treat diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
  • Penicillin, a sulfa drug, or a similar antibiotic
  • Oral medicine for diabetes
  • Sulindac
  • Acetaminophen, indomethacin, naproxen, ketoprofen, meclofenamate
  • Lorazepam
  • Rifampin

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney stones, a blood disorder, kidney disease, or a history of stomach ulcers.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased gout symptoms, when you first start treatment
  • Kidney stones
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine, especially if you are going to have general anesthesia.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blood in the urine, pain when urinating, back pain
• Severe stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Dizziness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024