Benemid Side Effects

Generic name: probenecid

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 20, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about probenecid. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Benemid.

Applies to probenecid: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Benemid

Along with its needed effects, probenecid (the active ingredient contained in Benemid) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking probenecid:

Rare

• Fast or irregular breathing
• puffiness or swellings of the eyelids or around the eyes
• shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in chest, or wheezing
• changes in the skin color of the face occurring together with any of the other side effects listed here
• or skin rash, hives, or itching occurring together with any of the other side effects listed here

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking probenecid:

Less common

• Bloody urine
• difficult or painful urination
• lower back or side pain (especially if severe or sharp)
• skin rash, hives, or itching (occurring without other signs of an allergic reaction)

Rare

• Cloudy urine
• cough or hoarseness
• fast or irregular breathing
• fever
• pain in back and/or ribs
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth
• sore throat and fever with or without chills
• sudden decrease in the amount of urine
• swelling of face, fingers, feet, and/or lower legs
• swollen and/or painful glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow eyes or skin
• weight gain

Other side effects of Benemid

Some side effects of probenecid may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Headache
• joint pain, redness, or swelling
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting (mild)

Less common

• Dizziness
• flushing or redness of face (occurring without any signs of an allergic reaction)
• frequent urge to urinate
• sore gums

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to probenecid: oral tablet.

General

In therapeutic doses, probenecid (the active ingredient contained in Benemid) is generally well tolerated and has a low incidence of side effects.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, urticaria, pruritus^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not provided: Precipitation of acute gouty arthritis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Uric acid stones with or without hematuria, costovertebral pain, urinary frequency^[Ref]

Renal

Frequency not reported: Nephrotic syndrome, with or without renal failure^[Ref]

Hematologic

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency may increase the risk of probenecid-induced hemolytic anemia in some patients. However, probenecid (the active ingredient contained in Benemid) has also been implicated in at least two cases of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. In both cases, serum antibodies reacted with red blood cells only in the presence of probenecid. In one patient, a generalized rash, fever, malaise, and anorexia were also present.^[Ref]

Rarely (less than 0.1%): Aplastic anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia

Frequency not reported: Anemia, hemolytic anemia (which could be related to genetic deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) in red blood cells)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, sore gums^[Ref]

Hepatic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hepatic necrosis^[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Headache, dizziness^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Toxic epidermal necrolysis (in combination with colchicine)

Frequency not reported: Dermatitis, alopecia, flushing^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer