Probalan
Probenecid
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Probalan
Probalan acts by removing extra uric acid from the body. Probalan can not cure gout, but can help to prevent gout attacks as long as you continue to take it. Probalan is also used in treatment of other medical problems that may occur if too much uric acid is present in the body. It is also used with certain antibiotics to make them more effective in the treatment of infections.
Therapeutic Uses of Probalan
Probalan is used in the treatment of chronic gout or gouty arthritis usually along with other medicine which reduce production of uric acid in the body. It is also used in treatment of certain infections with antibiotics to make the antibiotics more effective.
Direction of use of Probalan
Take Probalan as directed by your doctor or follow the instructions in the label of the medicine. Probalan is taken orally with a glass of water with food or without food. You should swallow the tablet as a whole without chewing, breaking or crushing it. Take it at regular interval and ask your doctor if you have any question.
If You Miss a Dose of Probalan
If you miss a dose of Probalan you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule and do not take 2 doses for the missed dose.
How to Store Probalan
Probalan is stored in between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light (in a properly closed colored container) and keep Probalan out of the reach of children. Never store it in your bathroom.
More Information About Probalan
Probalan should be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, you should consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Probalan
Do not take Probalan if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor urgently:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Probalan.
- If you have kidney stones which are caused by uric acid.
- If you are taking salicylates like aspirin.
- If the patient is a child of less than 2 years of age.
Important notes about Probalan:
- Probalan may cause dizziness. You should not drive, operate machinery, or do anything (which needs constant attention and monitoring) that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Probalan. Using Probalan with certain other medicines or with alcohol may increase the effects of dizziness and reduce your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant you should not take Probalan. If you become pregnant while taking Probalan, discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Probalan during pregnancy.
- Breast feeding: Probalan is excreted in breast milk. If you are breast feeding or willing to breast feed while you are using Probalan, check with your doctor to discuss the risks to your baby.
- Probalan should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age (not recommended). Safety and effectiveness of Probalan in this age group have not been established.
- You should inform your doctor or dentist, before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, that you are using Probalan.
- Probalan may affect your blood sugar in diabetic patients. You should check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor if you need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medicine or if you need to change the medicine during treatment with Probalan.
- Probalan may interfere with some lab tests like hemoglobin estimation, urine tests, theophylline levels in blood etc. Keep your lab appointments. Tell your doctor and lab personnel that you are using Probalan.
- Lab tests, like tests of uric acid in fasting blood, sugar in the urine and blood, may be required to monitor your progress.
Possible Adverse Effects of Probalan
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects become persistent or they become bothersome. The common side effects of Probalan are:
- Nausea, headache, dizziness, flushing, hair loss, loss of appetite, sore gums, vomiting etc.
Serious side effects of Probalan are rare but if they occur you should consult your doctor immediately. The serious side effects of Probalan are:
- Severe allergic reaction (symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the urine, dark urine, decreased or increased urination; fever, chills; lower backache, severe stomach pain; genital, or inner thigh pain; persistent sore throat (sign of infection); severe and persistent nausea, severe and persistent vomiting; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; worsening gout; yellowing of the eyes and skin etc.