Benemid

(probenecid)

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Lowers uric acid levels and strengthens penicillin's effect.

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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.

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Quick facts about Benemid
  • 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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Downsides

  • 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

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How it works

Benemid (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.

Quick facts about Benemid
  • Drug class: Musculoskeletal
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (probenecid)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
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What to expect when you take Benemid (probenecid) for Gout

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Indigestion
  • Acute gout attack
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
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Side effect rates for Benemid (probenecid)

Risks and Warnings for Benemid (probenecid)

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  • 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)

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Pregnancy

Research studies with animals haven’t found a risk to unborn babies, but it hasn’t been properly studied in humans.

See the FDA package insertSee pregnancy safe medications
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.
FDA pregnancy category for Benemid
BProbably safe
Food
  • 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.
Kidneys and liver
  • 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.