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Colchicine-Probenecid

Pronounced

"COAL-cheh-seen/pro-BEN-uh-sid"

Uses

This medication is a combination of probenecid and colchicine. It is used to prevent gout and gouty arthritis in people who have frequent severe gout attacks. Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. When uric acid levels in the blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints. Usually gout symptoms develop suddenly and involve only one or a few joints. The big toe, knee, or ankle joints are most often affected.

Probenecid belongs to a class of drugs known as uricosurics. It works by speeding up the removal of uric acid by your kidneys. This decreases uric acid in the blood. Colchicine works by decreasing swelling and lessening the build up of uric acid crystals that cause pain in the affected joint(s).

This combination product is not a pain medication. You should not begin treatment with this medication during a sudden gout attack (flare). Doing so may worsen your pain during the attack. Follow your doctor's directions for treating a sudden/severe gout attack before you start taking this product.

This product should not be used by children younger than 2 years.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters). If stomach upset occurs, this medication may be taken with food or antacid. To prevent kidney stones while taking this drug, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Taking products such as sodium bicarbonate and avoiding large amounts of vitamin C can also help reduce your risk for kidney stones. Ask your doctor for more details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk for serious side effects, do not increase your dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer time than directed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and adjust your dose during treatment with this medication.

After starting this medication, you may have an increase in the number of gout attacks while your body gets rid of extra uric acid. This may last for several months until the uric acid in your blood is lowered. Do not stop taking this drug if you have a sudden gout attack. Continue taking it along with the medications (such as colchicine, ibuprofen, indomethacin) prescribed by your doctor for gout pain.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2024.