Benuryl (Probenecid)

What is Benuryl?

Benuryl (Probenecid) belongs to a family of drugs known as uricosurics. It is an antigout agent. Gout is caused by excessive uric acid in the blood. It mainly affects knee, big toe, and ankle joints. The symptoms for this disease develop suddenly.

What is Benuryl used for?

Benuryl is indicated for the prevention and treatment of gout (gouty arthritis and chronic gout). It may also help enhance the levels of certain antibiotics in the blood, making them more effective. However, it does not treat a gout attack that has already taken place.

How does Benuryl work?

Benuryl works by decreasing uric acid levels in the blood. It makes the kidneys pass more uric acid in the urine and thus removes excess uric acid levels from the blood.

How to use Benuryl

Benuryl should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken twice a day (for the treatment of gout and gouty arthritis) and four times a day (if taken to make antibiotics more effective).

For the first week, it is advised that you take half a tablet twice a day and then take full tablet (500 mg) twice daily, from next week onwards. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Benuryl warnings and precautions

Do not take Benuryl, if you are allergic to probenecid or if you have uric acid kidney stones, blood disorders, ongoing acute gout attack.

Prior to taking Benuryl, share your medical history with your doctor, especially if it consists of ulcers and kidney disorders.

If you need to undergo a surgery, tell your surgeon in advance about the use of this medicine, as you may need to stop taking it for a while, but do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use Benuryl without prior permission from their doctors.

Do not administer the Benuryl dose to a child who is under two years of age.

What do I do if I have missed a Benuryl dose?

If you have missed your Benuryl dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Benuryl overdose?

If you have taken a Benuryl overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Benuryl interactions

Before taking Benuryl, consult your doctor if you take Doripenem, Zalcitabine, Methotrexate, Aspirin, Amoxicillin, Bismuth Subsalicylate, Cefprozil, Cefditoren Pivoxil, Cefpodoxime Proxetil, Choline Salicylate, Ertapenem, Enprofylline, Gatifloxacin, Ketorolac, Magnesium Salicylate, Lorazepam, Meropenem, Pralatrexate, Piretanide, Sodium Salicylate, Zomepirac, etc.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral and vitamin supplements. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Benuryl side effects

Benuryl side effects include headache, loss of appetite, mild nausea, vomiting, dizziness, pain in the joints, sore gums, increased frequency of urination, decreased amount of urination, redness of face, bloody urine, fever, skin rash (hives), difficulty or pain while urinating, pain in the sides, ribs or lower back; fast heartbeats, ulcers, sores, fatigue, weight gain, jaundice, breathing problems; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Benuryl, contact your doctor right away.