PROBENECID

Drug Name: PROBENECID

PROBENECID DESCRIPTION:
PROBENECID - ORAL (pro-BEN-uh-sid)

PROBENECID SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, vomiting, headache, sore gums or frequent urination may occur as your body adjusts to the medicine. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: yellowing of the eyes or skin, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, lower back pain, difficulty urinating. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction: include rash, itching, swelling dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PROBENECID:
PROBENECID: This is best taken with food or milk to prevent an upset stomach. It is advisable to drink a full glass of water with each dose and to drink at least 8 glasses (8 ounces each) of water a day while taking this medicine to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Large doses of Vitamin C should be avoided while taking this medicine as it can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

PROBENECID USES:
Probenecid is used to prevent gout and gouty arthritis. It is not meant to be used for acute attacks of gout.

PROBENECID PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: blood problems, kidney disease, cancer treatment, stomach ulcers, any allergies. Probenecid may cause drowsiness especially during the first few days. Use caution engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcohol while taking PROBENECID because it may worsen your condition. Before using PROBENECID, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known if PROBENECID is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports of problems to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PROBENECID DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of: methotrexate, penicillin antibiotics, cephalosporins (Keflex, Ceclor-like drugs), oral medicine to treat diabetes, indomethacin, ketorolac, zidovudine, dyphylline, nitrofurantoin. Aspirin and salicylate-type medicine can prevent probenecid from being fully effective. Many nonprescription products contain aspirin. Consult your pharmacist before using nonprescription medicines if you are uncertain they contain aspirin. If you are a diabetic, PROBENECID can affect the results of Clinitest tablets. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist an alternative way to monitor your diabetes. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PROBENECID OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe vomiting, unconsciousness, or seizures.

PROBENECID NOTES:
PROBENECID may be prescribed with another medication used to treat acute attacks of gout. Do not share PROBENECID with others.

MISSED PROBENECID DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PROBENECID STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.