Probenecid Tablets

What is this medication?

PROBENECID (proe BEN e sid) prevents gout attacks. It works by decreasing uric acid levels in your body. It may also be used to increase the effects of penicillin antibiotics in the body to help them work better.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Acute gout attack
• Blood disorders or disease
• Kidney disease
• Kidney stones
• Recent or ongoing radiation
• Stomach or intestine problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to probenecid, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Ketorolac
• Methotrexate
• Topiramate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Acetaminophen
• Alcohol
• Certain antibiotics, such as penicillins or sulfonamides
• Certain antivirals, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir
• Certain medications for diabetes
• Lorazepam
• Meclofenamate
• Medications that help you fall asleep for surgery
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Other medications for gout, such as pegloticase
• Pyrazinamide
• Rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication. It is only effective if you keep taking it regularly even if you have an attack of gout. Your care team will prescribe other medications to treat an attack of gout.

Aspirin and non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can make this medication less effective. Do not treat yourself for headaches or pain. Ask your care team for advice.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team. Also, find out how many glasses of fluids you need to drink each day.

If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Kidney stones—blood in the urine, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Facial flushing, redness
• Headache
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.