Probenecid
About Probenecid
Probenecid belongs to a class of medication called uricosuric, primarily used to decrease blood uric acid levels in the body. It is used to treat Gout and Gouty arthritis (increased uric acid leading to inflammation). Gout is a painful type of inflammatory arthritis. It normally affects one joint at a time (often the big toe joint). High uric acid levels cause this condition.
Probenecid contains probenecid, which works by blocking urate tubular reabsorption and lowering serum urate levels. This prevents uric acid synthesis within the body without interfering with the necessary mechanisms of cells and the body.
Probenecid should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose of this medicine, depending upon your medical condition. This medicine may cause certain common side effects, such as upset stomach, headache, diarrhea, skin rash, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Most of these side effects of Probenecid are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, reach out to your doctor.
Avoid taking Probenecid if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know about all your medical and medication history, including herbal and vitamin supplements, to avoid possible interactions. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy or breastfeeding before taking this medicine. Drink at least 2-3 litres of water so that you stay hydrated. Inform your doctor if you have/had any history of kidney stones, a kidney disorder, or a blood disorder. For people who have kidney disease or renal dysfunction, dose adjustment is required. If you have unexplained weight loss, please see your doctor right away.
Uses of Probenecid
Medicinal Benefits
Probenecid contains a uricosuric medication which is primarily used to decrease blood uric acid levels in the body. Probenecid contains probenecid, primarily used to decrease blood uric acid levels in the body. It works by inhibiting the tubular reabsorption of urate, thus decreasing serum urate levels. This stops uric acid formation inside the body without affecting the essential mechanism of cells and the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Probenecid
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Drug Warnings
Do not take Probenecid if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Let your doctor know about all your medical and medication history, including herbal and vitamin supplements, to avoid any undesirable side effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding before taking this medicine. Drink at least 2-3 litres of water so that you stay hydrated. Inform your doctor if you have/had any history of kidney stones, a kidney disorder, or a blood disorder. For people who have kidney disease or renal dysfunction, dose adjustment is required. If you lose unexplained weight, please visit your doctor immediately. Probenecid is not recommended for use in children below two years of age. It is advised not to drive vehicles or operate machines as Probenecid can make you drowsy.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Probenecid is known to interact with a blood thinner (aspirin), antihypertensive medicines (captopril), anti-bacterial medicines (ampicillin and amoxicillin), medicines used to thin the blood (dicoumarol, warfarin), anti-diabetic medicines (chlorpropamide), anti-epilepsy medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine), medicines used for chemotherapy (azathioprine, mercaptopurine, cyclophosphamide), immune suppressant medicine (cyclosporine), asthma medicines (theophylline), diuretics
Drug-Food Interactions: Probenecid is known to interact with alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Probenecid is known to interact with kidney or liver problems, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart problems, thyroid problems, and chemotherapy.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Probenecid as consuming alcohol may worsen your condition.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Probenecid. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Probenecid.
Driving
unsafeProbenecid may make you feel drowsy or sleepy. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are affected after taking this medicine.
Liver
cautionProbenecid should be used with caution if you have liver problems. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionProbenecid should be used with caution if you have kidney disorders. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems like kidney stones. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeProbenecid is not recommended for use in children below two years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Purines are found in certain foods, such as alcohol, fish, meat, and bacon. People with gout should restrict or avoid them greatly.
- Losing weight helps lower the levels of uric acid.
- Drinking plenty of fluids is also beneficial. However, the restricted use of alcohol and tobacco is recommended, as they raise the levels of uric acid.
- Maintain a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Special Advise
Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids each day while taking Probenecid unless directed to do otherwise by your doctor. If you are a kidney patient, consult a doctor before fluid intake.
- The doctor will monitor your kidney function constantly before and while on treatment with Probenecid.
- A liver function test should be done regularly to monitor liver enzymes, as Probenecid can cause fluctuations.
- If you are undergoing a urine test, inform the lab technician or the doctor about the use of Probenecid.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Gout: It is a type of inflammatory (allergic reaction) condition that forms uric acid crystals and accumulates inside feet, knuckles, and surrounding bone joints. This occurs due to high uric acid levels in the blood, resulting in immense pain in joints. The pain may be severe, but the condition improves with medication. To avoid bone and cartilage damage and weakening of the kidneys, repeated gout attacks can require long-term medication. In areas such as the wrists, elbows, feet, or earlobes, chronic gout sufferers can feel small hard lumps forming over time in the soft flesh. These deposits are concentrations of uric acid crystals, called tophi, and over time, can cause pain and stiffness.
FAQs
Probenecid is used to treat Gout (increased uric acid in joints).
Probenecid contains probenecid, primarily used to decrease blood uric acid levels in the body. It works by inhibiting the tubular reabsorption of urate, thus decreasing serum urate levels. It stops uric acid formation inside the body without affecting the essential mechanism of cells and the body.
It may take several weeks for your uric acid levels to drop before you feel better or notice a major reduction.
Initially, when you start Probenecid, it can increase the number of gout attacks. Please do not stop taking Probenecid on having an acute attack (sudden attack) of gout, as it can make the attack even worse. Co-administration with an anti-inflammatory agent (colchicine) is recommended, and slowly increasing the dose of Probenecid.
Probenecid may cause kidney stones in some individuals. You are recommended to drink at least six to eight full glasses of water daily while taking Probenecid, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
The common side effects of Probenecid are stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, skin rash, drowsiness, headache, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you experience any of these side effects or have concerns, consult your doctor.
