Probenecid Side Effects

Some side effects of probenecid may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to probenecid: oral tablet

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking probenecid: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• worsening gout symptoms;

• severe pain in your side or lower back;

• blood in your urine;

• swelling, especially in your face, stomach, ankles, or feet; or

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness.

Less serious side effects of probenecid may include:

• urinating more than usual;

• mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

• headache, dizziness;

• sore gums;

• mild itching or skin rash;

• hair loss; or

• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to probenecid: oral tablet

General

In therapeutic doses, probenecid is generally well tolerated and has a low incidence of side effects.

An increase in acute attacks of gout may occur on initiation of probenecid therapy. The concomitant administration of colchicine or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, where appropriate, may decrease the risk of this complication.

Renal

Adequate hydration, to result in urine output of 2 liters per day, if possible, and alkalinization of the urine may reduce the risk of stone formation.

Renal side effects have included renal colic, nephrotic syndrome, with or without renal failure, and urinary frequency. In addition, increased concentrations of uric acid in the renal tubules, due to probenecid therapy, may promote development of uric acid stones.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions may be severe. It has been reported that the risk of severe allergic reactions may be increased in patients previously treated with probenecid. In these cases, onset of hypersensitivity reactions is within several hours after reintroduction of probenecid therapy.

Hypersensitivity side effects have included rash, pruritus, fever, urticaria, and anaphylaxis.

Hematologic

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency may increase the risk of probenecid-induced hemolytic anemia in some patients. However, probenecid 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.

Hematologic side effects have rarely included hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, leukopenia, and anemia.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included hepatic necrosis.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included anorexia, nausea, sore gums, and vomiting.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included headache and dizziness.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects including dermatitis, alopecia, and flushing have been reported.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects including costovertebral pain have been reported.

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