Benemid

The active ingredient in Benemid is probenecid. Probenecid is an antigout or uricosuric agent. Chronic gout is a type of joint discomfort and swelling caused by elevated uric acid levels in the body. The mechanism of action of Benemid involves inhibiting the reabsorption of uric acid in the kidneys. Excess uric acid is instead passed into the urine, allowing you to eliminate it. This helps reduce uric acid levels in your body, which aids in the treatment of gout. Probenecid also prevents the kidneys from removing some antibiotics. As a result, antibiotics linger in your body for extended periods of time, increasing their potential to fight infections.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Benemid. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Benemid:

• Drink plenty of water to avoid kidney stones when taking Benemid.
• You may be given additional drugs to help avoid kidney stones. Continue taking these medications for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
• If you need surgery, tell your surgeon that you are currently taking Benemid. Benemid may alter your body's response to anaesthesia.
• Call your doctor if your gout symptoms do not improve or worsen. Your doctor may give colchicine as a supplementary medication.

Some mild or common side effects of Benemid include:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Sudden gout attack (sharp joint pain and swelling).
• Loss of appetite.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Benemid. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as hives, skin rash, or swelling.
• Kidney stones can cause lower back pain, stomach pain, blood in your urine, fever, and chills.
• Increased risk of low white and red blood cell counts in people with G6PD deficiency.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Benemid. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Benemid, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Uric acid kidney stones.
• A gout attack that has already begun.
• Blood cell disorders such as hemolytic anemia or low white blood cells.
• Kidney disease.
• Stomach ulcers.

• Children younger than two years old.
• Blood disorder.
• Kidney stones caused by increased uric acid.
• You are taking aspirin.

Benemid (probenecid) typically begins to lower uric acid levels within a few days after starting treatment. However, it may take several weeks to observe full benefits, such as fewer gout attacks. During the early phase of treatment, gout flares can temporarily rise as uric acid is mobilized, thus doctors frequently prescribe additional medicine (such as colchicine) to aid with this.

When Benemid is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Lorazepam.
• Methotrexate.
• Rifampin.
• Diabetes medications.
• A sulfa medication.
• Indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, naproxen (Aleve), or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

For adults with gout, the usual starting dose of Benemid (probenecid) is 250 mg twice daily for one week, followed by an increase to 500 mg twice daily. The maximum daily dose is 2 grams.

When used to enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics, people over 14 years old or weighing more than 50 kg (110 lb) typically take 2 grams per day, divided into smaller doses throughout the day. Adults over 65 years or those with kidney problems may need dose adjustments.

For children aged 2 to 14 years or weighing 50 kg or less, the dose is based on weight, starting at 25 mg/kg once daily, then increasing to a maintenance dose of 40 mg/kg per day, divided into four doses. Children under 2 years old should not take probenecid; alternative treatments should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

For gonorrhea treatment, 1 gram of probenecid is taken orally alongside the prescribed antibiotic.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Merck & Company, Inc. is the company that manufactures Benemid.

There are a few generic name versions available of Benemid.

You should not discontinue taking Benemid (probenecid) without consulting your doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause your uric acid levels to rise again, potentially triggering new gout symptoms. If you need to stop therapy, your doctor will usually recommend gradually reducing the dose and adjusting your other medications or diet to keep uric acid under control. Always follow your doctor's recommendations before making any adjustments.

Benemid can be passed to your unborn baby, but we do not known how this affects them. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Benemid is found in breast milk in small quantities. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.