Benemid
Probenecid
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Benemid
Benemid acts by removing uric acid from body. It does not have any action on metabolism of uric acid, but by removing extra uric acid it helps in preventing attacks of gout (disease where uric acid content of blood is increased). You can control gout only as long as you keep taking Benemid.
Therapeutic Uses of Benemid
Benemid is used in the treatment of gout or gouty arthritis (due to excess uric acid in blood). Benemid can also be used in other medical conditions where uric acid level increases in the body.
Direction of use of Benemid
Benemid tablet is taken orally with a glass of water. Swallow the tablet as a whole without breaking or crushing it. Do not chew the tablet and take Benemid at regular interval. If you have any question regarding direction of use than consult your doctor or health care provider.
Dose of Benemid, if Missed
If a dose of Benemid is missed take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose than skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing of Benemid as usual. Never take 2 doses of Benemid at a time.
How to Store Benemid
Benemid is stored at room temperature (68 to 77 degree Fahrenheit or 20 to 25 degree Centigrade). Keep Benemid away from direct light, heat and moisture. it should be kept away from children and pets.
More Information About Benemid
Never share Benemid with anybody. It should be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. If there is no improvement in your condition, consult your doctor immediately.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Benemid
Do not use Benemid if any of the following apply to you and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Benemid.
- If you are on medicines like salicylates like aspirin (it increases uric acid level).
- If the patient is a child of below 2 years.
- If you have uric acid stone in kidney or have blood problem due to uric acid.
Important notes to remember:
- Pregnancy and lactation: if you are pregnant do not take Benemid. If you become pregnant during Benemid therapy, consult with your doctor about the risks and benefits of Benemid during pregnancy. If you are breast feeding your baby than also consult your doctor regarding potential harm to your baby. Benemid is excreted in breast milk.
- Benemid can cause drowsiness and you should not drive, operate heavy machinery or do risky jobs until you are certain how you react to Benemid. If you consume alcohol or certain other medicines while on Benemid therapy, it can increase the sedative property of Benemid.
- Lab tests like sugar in urine may be required to monitor therapy of Benemid and progress of treatment.
- Benemid can interfere with some lab tests like blood or hemoglobin tests, urine tests, theophylline levels etc. inform your doctor about your Benemid treatment before getting lab tests done.
- In diabetes patients Benemid may affect blood sugar level. Check your blood sugar levels if you are taking Benemid and your doctor may adjust the dose of anti diabetic medications.
- If you have to undergo any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Benemid
Possible Adverse Effects
- Get immediate medical attention if you have any of the common side effects of Benemid. Common side effects of Benemid are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, loss of hair or alopecia, tender gums, flushing etc.
- The following are uncommon but serious side effects and seek medical attention without delay if you get any of these side effects. Worsening of gout, allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), yellowing of the eyes or skin, generalized weakness or tiredness, severe or persistent nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, unusual bleeding from ulcer sites, fever, chills, blood in urine, dark color urine, decrease production of urine, persistent sore throat etc.