Medication Information Leaflet
Probenecid is used to treat high uric acid levels associated with gout or gouty arthritis by increasing uric acid clearance through the kidneys.
Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
This medicine should be taken after food
Drink adequate liquid (if you are not fluid restricted) while taking this medication in order to prevent formation of kidney stones. If you are fluid restricted, consult your doctor for further instructions
May experience temporary increase in gout attacks when starting this medication. However with regular use, the frequency of gout attacks will gradually reduce and become less painful
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
Medical conditions such as blood disorder, uric acid kidney stone, kidney disease, G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) deficiency or peptic ulcer
Stomach upset (nausea, vomiting)
Take with food to reduce the occurrence of this side effect
Headache
Sore gums
Flushing (reddening of skin)
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately
For patients taking methotrexate, probenecid may increase the effects of methotrexate in the body. Do inform your healthcare provider for further instructions if you are taking methotrexate.
Reducing purine rich food such as red meat (eg beef), alcohol, organ meat (eg liver,kidney), shellfish, anchovies, sardine. The list is not exhaustive, do seek further advice from your healthcare provider
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on Jul 2022
This article was last reviewed on Tuesday, October 18, 2022