Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Benemid

Generic Name: probenecid (Pronunciation: proe BEN a sid)

• What is probenecid (Benemid)?
• What are the possible side effects of probenecid (Benemid)?
• What is the most important information I should know about probenecid (Benemid)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking probenecid (Benemid)?
• How should I take probenecid (Benemid)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Benemid)?
• What happens if I overdose (Benemid)?
• What should I avoid while taking probenecid (Benemid)?
• What other drugs will affect probenecid (Benemid)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is probenecid (Benemid)?

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.

Probenecid 500 mg-MYL

oblong, yellow, imprinted with MYLAN 156, 500

Probenecid 500 mg-WAT

oblong, yellow, imprinted with 5347, DAN DAN

What are the possible side effects of probenecid (Benemid)?

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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about probenecid (Benemid)?

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.

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have worsening gout symptoms, severe pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, swelling, fever, pale or yellowed skin, or dark-colored urine.

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