What is this medication for?
Probenecid belongs to the class of medications called uricosurics. It is used to prevent gout. It is not useful to treat an active gout attack. In some conditions, it may also be used to increase the levels of certain types of antibiotics in the blood for better treatment results.
Probenecid acts by decreasing levels of uric acid, which causes gout, in the blood. It acts on the kidney to pass uric acid in the urine. Probenecid also acts on the kidney to prevent certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, from being passed in the urine.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Probalan® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of probenecid to prevent gout is one-half tablet (250 mg) twice a day for one week, followed by 1 tablet (500 mg) twice a day after that. The maximum dose is usually 4 tablets (2 g) daily. Doses for children are based on body weight.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Probenecid should not be used by or given to anyone who:
- is allergic to probenecid or any ingredients of the medication
- is having an acute (active) gout attack (wait until the active attack has gone away)
- is under 2 years of age
- has known blood disorders
- has uric acid kidney stones
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