Probenecid is a medication to lower uric acid levels. This drug is also used to increase rate and the effectiveness of certain antibiotics, such as penicillin or cefoxitin, in treating bacterial infections.
Probenecid belongs to the class urisocuric. To reduce uric acid levels, this drug works by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing uric acid and increasing the excretion of uric acid through the urine.
Please note, probenecid should not be used to treat attacks of gout or severe or sudden gout.
probenecid trademark: Probenide
What's that Probenecid
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | gout medication (uricosuric) |
| Benefit | Lowering uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) |
| Consumed by | Children aged >2 years to adults |
| Probenecid for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Probenecid may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Probenecid
Probenecid should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Below are some things you need to pay attention to before taking probenecid:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Probenecid should not be taken by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had aplastic anemia, bone marrow disorders, stomach ulcers, heart disease, liver disease, G6PD enzyme deficiency, or kidney disease including kidney stones.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking treatment for cancer or are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking probenecid if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
- Do not drive a vehicle or perform activities that require alertness after taking probenecid, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you experience any symptoms of a gout attack after taking probenecid for the first time.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after taking probenecid.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Probenecid
The dose of probenecid prescribed by the doctor will be adjusted according to the patient's condition and age. The usual dose of probenecid for treating gout in adults is 250 mg, 2 times a day, for 1 week.
The dose is increased to 500 mg, 2 times a day. The next dose is increased by 500 mg every 4 weeks. The maximum dose is 2,000 mg per day.
In addition to the treatment of gout, probenecid can also be used as an adjunct therapy to increase the levels and effectiveness of antibiotics.
To prolong the effect of penicillin, probenecid can be given at a dose of 500 mg, 4 times a day. To assist cefotixin in treating pelvic inflammation or gonorrhea, probenecid can be given at a dose of 1 gram as a single dose.
MethodTaking Probenecid Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the information on the drug packaging label before taking probenecid. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Probenecid should be taken with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset. Take probenecid regularly at the same time every day for maximum effect.
Drink 6–8 glasses of water to avoid developing kidney stones while taking probenecid. Do not stop taking this medicine when your symptoms improve, unless your doctor tells you to.
If you forget to take your medicine, take probenecid immediately if the time lag with the next dose is not too close. If it is close ignore and do not double the dose.
To reduce the risk of gout attacks later in life, you also need to eat healthy foods. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, fizzy drinks, canned fruit, or foods rich in purines, such as organ meats and seafood.
During treatment with probenecid, you may need to have a blood uric acid level test, liver or kidney function tests, or a complete blood count, to monitor the progress of your condition and the effectiveness of the drug.
Store probenecid in its package in a cool, dry room. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Probenecid Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some drug interactions that can occur when probenecid is used with certain drugs:
- Decreased therapeutic effect of probenecid when used with aspirin or pyrazinamide
- Increases the effect and levels of probenecid when used with ketorolac, ibuprofen, or diclofenac
- Increases risk of methotrexate poisoning
- Increases risk of hypoglycemia when used with sulfonylureas, such as glimepiride
- Increase levels of some antibiotics, such as cefazolin, cefixime, ceftazidime, or imipenem-cilastin
Side Effects and Dangers Probenecid
Side effects that can occur after taking probenecid are:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Painful gums or sore gums
- Loss of appetite
- Increased frequency of urination
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above do not subside or are getting worse. Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Lower back pain
- Difficulty urinating or pain when urinating
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Infectious disease, which can be characterized by symptoms such as fever or sore throat
- Liver disease, which can include dark urine, severe stomach pain, extreme tiredness, pale stools, or jaundice
