Common uses

Benemid works by removing the extra uric acid from the body. Benemid does not cure gout, but after you have been taking it for a few months it will help prevent gout attacks. Benemid will help prevent gout attacks only as long as you continue to take it.

Benemid is also used to prevent or treat other medical problems that may occur if too much uric acid is present in the body.

Benemid is sometimes used with certain kinds of antibiotics to make them more effective in the treatment of infections.

Before using

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.
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.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take probenecid.
Probenecid may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether probenecid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Probenecid should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Directions

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
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.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood or urine may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
If you are taking probenecid together with an antibiotic, be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking probenecid. This medication may affect your body's response to anesthesia. Store probenecid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Cautions

Do not use Benemid if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Benemid;
• you have blood problems or kidney stones caused by uric acid;
• the patient is a child younger than 2 years of age;
• you are taking salicylates (e.g., aspirin).
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :
• Benemid may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Benemid. Using Benemid alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Benemid.
• Diabetes patients - Benemid may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Benemid may interfere with some lab tests (e.g., blood or hemoglobin urine tests, theophylline levels). Make sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Benemid.
• Lab tests, including tests for sugar in the urine, may be required to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use of Benemid is not recommended in children younger than 2 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant while taking Benemid, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Benemid during pregnancy. Benemid is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Benemid, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•blood in urine
•difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath
•fever, chills or sore throat
•lower back or side pain
•mouth sores
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•skin rash and itching (hives)
•swelling of the feet, ankles, face or lips
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•dizziness
•flushing
•frequent passing of urine
•hair loss
•headache
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
•painful or swollen joints

If you take too much

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.

Additional information

Benemid is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Drug interactions

Many drugs can interact with probenecid. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:
• lorazepam (Ativan);
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane);
• diabetes medication you take by mouth;
• an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), meclofenamate (Meclomen), or naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn);
• salicylates such as aspirin, Novasal, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others; or