Probenecid is used to treat gout and gouty arthritis. probenecid reduces the amount of uric acid in your body by causing it to be passed in your urine.

Probenecid is also sometimes given together with penicillin antibiotics (including ampicillin, methicillin, oxacillin, cloxacillin, or nafcillin) to make them more effective.

Probenecid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use probenecid if you have uric acid kidney stones, a gout attack that has already started, or a blood cell disorder.

Call your doctor if you have worsening gout symptoms.

Probenecid comes in a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two times a day when prescribed for chronic gout or gouty arthritis and four times a day when prescribed with antibiotics to make them more effective. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take probenecid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Probenecid may increase the frequency of gout attacks during the first 6 to 12 months that you take it, although it will eventually prevent them. Another drug, such as colchicine, may be prescribed to decrease this effect.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones while you are taking probenecid.

You may be given other medications to also help prevent kidney stones. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently take probenecid. probenecid may affect your body's response to anesthesia.

Call your doctor if your gout symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse. Your doctor may prescribe an additional medicine called colchicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You should not use probenecid if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• uric acid kidney stones;

• a gout attack that has already started; or

• a blood cell disorder, such as anemia or low white blood cells.

Probenecid should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• a stomach ulcer; or

• kidney stones.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Drink at least six to eight full glasses of water a day while taking probenecid to prevent kidney stones, unless directed to do otherwise by your doctor.

Probenecid may cause an upset stomach. Take with food or antacids.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you feel you need to take a mild pain reliever. Avoid using any medicine that may contain aspirin or other salicylates (such as Disalsid, Doan's Extra Strength, Ecotrin, Novasal, Nuprin Backache, Salflex, Salsitab, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

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

Probenecid may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening gout symptoms;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or swelling;

• painful or difficult urination;

• severe pain in your side or lower back;

• blood in your urine;

• urine that looks cloudy or foamy;

• puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain; or

• pale or yellowed skin.

Common side effects of probenecid may include:

• headache, dizziness;

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• sore gums;

• urinating more than usual;

• itching, rash; or

• hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol);

• lorazepam;

• methotrexate;

• rifampin;

• diabetes medicine you take by mouth;

• a sulfa drug; or

• an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, or naproxen (Aleve).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect probenecid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to probenecid.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

• Colbenemid® (containing Colchicine, Probenecid)
• Proben-C® (containing Colchicine, Probenecid)