• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What is probenecid?
Probenecid helps your body pass uric acid out through the urine, which lowers the levels of uric acid in the body. Probenecid is used to treat gout and gouty arthritis. Probenecid is also sometimes given together with penicillin antibiotics to make them more effective. Probenecid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Back to Top

What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

Back to Top

What are the possible side effects of probenecid?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• worsening gout symptoms;

• severe pain in your side or lower back;

• blood in your urine;

• swelling, especially in your face, stomach, ankles, or feet; or

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• urinating more than usual;

• mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

• headache, dizziness;

• sore gums;

• mild itching or skin rash;

• hair loss; or

• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Back to Top

How should I take probenecid?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones while you are taking probenecid. Probenecid may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, other medications, and mineral supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions. To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood or urine may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Back to Top

What is the most important information I should know about probenecid?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to probenecid, or if you have uric acid kidney stones, a gout attack that has already started, or a blood cell disorder such as anemia, or decreased white blood cells. Probenecid should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Before taking probenecid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease, a history of stomach ulcer, or if you have ever had kidney stones. Drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones while you are taking probenecid.

Back to Top

What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Back to Top

What other drugs will affect probenecid?
Many drugs can interact with probenecid. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using: lorazepam (Ativan); methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane); diabetes medication you take by mouth; an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), meclofenamate (Meclomen), or naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn); salicylates such as aspirin, Novasal, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others; or

Back to Top

Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Probenecid has been assigned to a pregnancy category B by the FDA. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Probenecid is known to cross the placental barrier. Probenecid is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

Case reports of probenecid use throughout pregnancy for the treatment of hyperuricemia associated with gout and renal dysfunction have not documented probenecid-induced adverse fetal outcome. In addition, one study evaluating the efficacy of single-dose ampicillin plus probenecid for the treatment of urinary tract infection during pregnancy failed to reveal evidence of adverse fetal effects. However, further data are required to fully evaluate the safety of probenecid therapy during pregnancy.

There are no data on the excretion of probenecid into human milk.

Back to Top

Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known blood dyscrasias.
• Uric acid kidney stones.
• Initiation of therapy during acute gout attack. (See Acute Gout Attacks under Cautions.)
• Children <2 years of age.
• Known hypersensitivity to probenecid or any ingredient in the formulation.

Back to Top

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.

Back to Top

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking probenecid?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to probenecid, or if you have: uric acid kidney stones; a gout attack that has already started; or a blood cell disorder such as anemia, or decreased white blood cells. Before taking probenecid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have: kidney disease; a history of stomach ulcer; or if you have ever had kidney stones. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take probenecid.

Back to Top

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Back to Top

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

Back to Top

Where can I get more information?
More Information

Back to Top