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Overview: Probenecid is used to prevent gout attacks by helping your body remove uric acid. It may also be used with certain antibiotics to help them work longer. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite. When you first start taking probenecid, you may have more gout flares for a short time before they become less common. Call your health care provider if you have severe side or back pain, blood in your urine, trouble urinating, or shortness of breath.

Uses

What is probenecid used for?

Probenecid is commonly used to treat gout, which is a form of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in your blood and joints.

Probenecid is sometimes taken with certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, to keep the antibiotics in your body longer.

Probenecid may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does probenecid work (mechanism of action)?

Probenecid helps with gout by removing uric acid from your body through your pee after your kidneys filter it out of your blood. Because of this mechanism, your kidneys need to be working well enough for probenecid to work.

How is probenecid supplied (dosage forms)?

Probenecid is available as 500 mg oral tablets that are taken by mouth.

How should I store probenecid?

Probenecid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep tightly closed. Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of probenecid?

The most common side effects of probenecid are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increase in your gout symptoms (gout flare) when first starting probenecid (see below)

There may be other side effects of probenecid that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of probenecid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of probenecid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Gout Flares and Kidney Problems. Probenecid may increase your gout flares before making your symptoms better. It may take several months to reduce uric acid levels enough to control your gout flares. It is very important to follow your health care provider’s recommendations, which may include taking medicine for pain and inflammation while taking probenecid, and drinking enough fluids.

Because probenecid puts more uric acid in your pee, when you first start taking probenecid you may get an increase in uric acid kidney stones. These stones may cause different issues, including:

  • Blood in your pee (hematuria)
  • Pain in your lower back area (flank pain, sometimes called renal colic)
  • Pain in your upper back near your ribs
  • Protein in your urine or poor kidney function (nephrotic syndrome)

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking probenecid. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Blood Disorders. Probenecid can cause blood disorders, such as aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Stop taking probenecid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Severe Allergic Reactions. Probenecid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking probenecid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use probenecid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take probenecid.

  • Probenecid
  • Benemid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific probenecid products they stock.

Blood Disorders. People who have any blood disorders, known as blood dyscrasias, should not take probenecid. Some examples of blood disorders include anemia, leukopenia (low white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (low platelets). Tell your health care provider if you have any blood disorders.

Uric Acid Kidney Stones. People who currently have kidney stones that are made of uric acid should not take probenecid. Tell your health care provider if you have had, or currently have, any type of kidney stone.

Gout Attack. People who are currently having a gout attack should not take probenecid. Tell your health care provider if you are having a gout attack.

Drug Interactions. Certain medicines should not be taken while you are taking probenecid. Before taking probenecid, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about probenecid before using it?

Do not take probenecid unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share probenecid with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep probenecid out of the reach of children.

Because probenecid may increase the risk of uric acid kidney stones when you first start taking it, it is important to follow your health care professional’s advice about types of beverages and foods to avoid. Some beverages and foods may increase the risk of uric acid kidney stones.

What should I tell my health care provider before using probenecid?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if probenecid is right for you.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • An active gout attack
  • Kidney problems, including kidney stones
  • A blood disorder, including anemia, leukopenia (low white blood cells), or thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how probenecid could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if probenecid passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take probenecid while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does probenecid interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between probenecid and foods or drinks. However, gout or kidney stones can become worse if you have certain foods or beverages. In general, acidic foods and beverages will worsen gout. Check with your health care provider about what foods and beverages to limit or avoid.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect probenecid. However, alcohol may increase your risk for gout attacks. Ask your health care provider about the risk of your gout getting worse if you drink alcohol.

Does probenecid interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using probenecid.

  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
  • A salicylate, such as aspirin or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
  • An antibiotic, such as penicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin
  • Pyrazinamide, which is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis
  • A sulfonylurea, such as glipizide, glimepiride, and glyburide, which is used for diabetes

Probenecid may alter the blood levels of many other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with probenecid. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much probenecid?

If you or someone else has used too much probenecid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of probenecid?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.