What does it do?

Probenecid is used to prevent gout, and sometimes for other conditions.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver or stomach problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take probenecid regularly as directed. Take with food and a glass of water.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with probenecid including:

• anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®).
• low-dose aspirin (e.g. Cartia®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing Trouble peeing, pain when peeing	Tell your doctor immediately
Headache, dizziness Gout attack Flushing, loss of appetite Hair loss or thinning	Tell your doctor if troublesome
Stomach upset	Take with food

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Probenecid can cause kidney stones if you do not drink enough fluid. Discuss with your healthcare professional.
• Probenecid can cause a gout attack when you start taking it, so your doctor may prescribe another medicine to prevent this happening. Keep taking probenecid during a gout attack. Stopping the tablets suddenly is likely to make your gout worse.