Benemid
(probenecid)
Lowers uric acid levels and strengthens penicillin's effect.
Our bottom line
Benemid (probenecid) can be used to lower high uric acid levels in people with gout, but it is not a first-choice treatment because it takes a long time to kick in.
- Price before coupon$85.00
- Lowest price with coupon$21.2775% savings
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (probenecid)
Upsides
- Benemid (probenecid) is available in generic.
- It can raise levels of certain antibiotics in the body and make those antibiotics work better.
- It is recommended as a second-choice medicine to help lower uric acid levels if they're not going down fast enough.
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What to expect from Benemid, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Benemid (probenecid) is not a first-choice treatment for gout because it takes a while to kick in.
- It doesn't work well in people who are using aspirin, or have kidney problems.
- You have to take Benemid (probenecid) 2 times a day. Other stronger drugs for gout are only taken 1 time a day.
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What to expect from Benemid, on one page
Download Fact SheetBenemid (probenecid) stops the kidneys from saving uric acid, so more uric acid leaves the body when you urinate. It also helps antibiotics like penicillin last longer in the body since it stops penicillin from going into the urine.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (probenecid)
Used for
- Gout
- High uric acid
- Increases effectiveness of penicillin
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Benemid (probenecid) for Gout
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Indigestion
- Acute gout attack
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
Side effect rates for Benemid (probenecid)
Risks and Warnings for Benemid (probenecid)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Benemid (probenecid) can cause kidney stones. Make sure to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day while taking Benemid (probenecid). Let your doctor know if you start having back pain, belly pain, or blood in your urine as these may be signs of a kidney stone.
Common concerns from people taking Benemid (probenecid)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals haven’t found a risk to unborn babies, but it hasn’t been properly studied in humans.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Benemid (probenecid) can irritate your stomach or esophagus, and worsen ulcers. However, this is rare. Take Benemid (probenecid) with food to help stop this from happening. If you get chest pain or stomach pain, or worsening heartburn while taking Benemid (probenecid), talk with your doctor.
- Take Benemid (probenecid) with food or antacids to minimize stomach side effects.
- Benemid (probenecid) can cause kidney stones. Make sure to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day while taking Benemid (probenecid). Let your doctor know if you start having back pain, belly pain, or blood in your urine as these may be signs of a kidney stone.