Benemid (Probenecid)

Description

Benemid treats the pain and inflammation caused by gout and arthritis.

 

Drug Information

 

Benemid is a medication that contains probenecid as the main ingredient. It is used in the treatment and prevention of gout and arthritis as well as the pain and inflammation caused by these conditions.

 

Benemid is not meant to be used in the treatment of an acute onset of gout or arthritis. It is possible that using this medicine in this fashion could worsen the symptoms instead.

 

This medicine is classified as being an uricosuria. It functions by lowering the amount of uric acid in the kidneys and the body by increasing the rate at which the kidneys get rid of uric acid.

 

The problem with uric acid is that when there are too high concentrations of it in the body, it can cause crystal formation in the joints. Lowering the acid levels allows you to keep the kidneys safe.

 

Benemid can be used with antibiotics like penicillin. It may be prescribed to you in this way. It can help increase the concentration of the antibiotic in the blood.

 

Precautions

 

If you are allergic to probenecid, you should inform your prescribing doctor or the pharmacist of this fact and any other allergies you may have.

 

If you have a history of current or ongoing medical conditions like anaemia, bone marrow depression, kidney stones and other disorders affecting the blood count, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

 

If you have ever been diagnosed with cancer and have been treated for it, or have the G6PD enzyme deficiency, kidney problems or a problem with peptic ulcers, tell your doctor.

 

It is possible that this medication can cause severe dizziness. Do not drive or operate any machinery while you are under the effect of Benemid. Try to reduce your alcohol intake.

 

In the event of being taken in for surgery, make sure you tell the medical personnel that you are using this medication.

 

As you get older, your kidneys will function less efficiently. Since Benemid is flushed from the body through the kidneys, older people will retain it in their bodies at a greater rate. This makes old people more vulnerable to the side effects of this medication, largely abdominal issues.

 

If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant during the course of treatment, make sure you tell your doctor.

 

Take it only if it is extremely necessary.

 

If you are a nursing mother, do not breastfeed your child unless you have a doctor’s approval for it.

 

Dosage

 

For gout, take this medication orally twice a day with meals. This will help to prevent stomach problems.

 

Always drink a glass of water with your dosage and keep yourself hydrated all day. If you have another condition that limits your daily fluids, tell your doctor. This helps you reduce the burn caused by acidic urine.

 

You can also adjust dosage based on the severity of your condition. Talk to your doctor about an altered dose over time.

 

If you miss a dose of Benemid, take it as soon as you know you have. If you don’t have time till your next dose, take the next one and ignore what you missed.

 

If you overdose, call local emergency medical services immediately.

 

Side Effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Dizziness
 Sore gums
 Urination

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Back pain
 Painful urination
 Changes in urine color
 Easy bruising
 Infection
 Jaundice

 

Call a doctor if you notice these side effects.

 

Interactions

 

 Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

 

 Inform the prescribing doctor if you are on chemotherapy or other kidney medication.