INDICATIONS

Benemid is used in the treatment of chronic gout or gouty arthritis. Benemid helps your body pass uric acid out through the urine, which lowers the levels of uric acid in the body.

INSTRUCTIONS

 Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones while you are taking probenecid.

Probenecid may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, other medications, and mineral supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood or urine may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you are taking probenecid together with an antibiotic, be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking probenecid. This medication may affect your body's response to anesthesia. Store probenecid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

DOSAGE 

Take Benemid as directed by your doctor.

STORAGE 

Store Benemid at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Benemid out of the reach of children and away from pets.

SAFETY INFORMATION

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to probenecid, or if you have uric acid kidney stones, a gout attack that has already started, or a blood cell disorder such as anemia, or decreased white blood cells. Probenecid should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Before taking probenecid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease, a history of stomach ulcer, or if you have ever had kidney stones.
Drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones while you are taking probenecid.

Benemid may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, other medications, and mineral supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Call your doctor at once if you have worsening gout symptoms, severe pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, swelling, fever, pale or yellowed skin, or dark-colored urine.

You should NOT use this medication if you are allergic to probenecid, or if you have:

• uric acid kidney stones;
• a gout attack that has already started; or
• a blood cell disorder such as anemia, or decreased white blood cells. 

Before taking Benemid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• a history of stomach ulcer; or
• if you have ever had kidney stones. 

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Benemid.
Benemid may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether probenecid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Probenecid should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

SIDE EFFECTS

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• worsening gout symptoms;
• severe pain in your side or lower back;
• blood in your urine;
• swelling, especially in your face, stomach, ankles, or feet; or
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• urinating more than usual;
• mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• headache, dizziness;
• sore gums;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• hair loss; or
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.