Prolongation of penicillin serum levels: Children ≥2 years and Adolescents: Note: Dosing for some indication-specific dosing may vary.
Patient weight ≤50 kg: Oral: Initial: 25 mg/kg/dose or 700 mg/m2/dose as a single dose; maintenance: 40 mg/kg/day or 1,200 mg /m2/day in 4 divided doses; maximum dose: 500 mg.
Patient weight >50 kg: Oral: 500 mg 4 times daily.
Gonorrhea, uncomplicated infections of cervix, urethra, and rectum: Adolescents >45 kg: Oral: 1,000 mg as a single dose with cefoxitin; Note: Combination of ceftriaxone and azithromycin is preferred (CDC [Workowski 2015]).
Pelvic inflammatory disease: Adolescents: Oral: 1,000 mg as a single dose with cefoxitin in combination with doxycycline with/without metronidazole (CDC [Workowski 2015]).
Neurosyphilis: Adolescents: Oral: 500 mg 4 times daily with procaine penicillin for 10 to 14 days; alternative therapy to aqueous penicillin G therapy (CDC [Workowski 2015]).
Cidofovir nephrotoxicity, prevention: Limited data available; various regimens have been reported (Anderson 2008; Bhadri 2009; Cesaro 2005; Doan 2007; Williams 2009; Yusuf 2006):
Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Note: The manufacturer's labeling considers use in patients <2 years of age to be contraindicated; however, clinical studies have included younger ages (including infants) for this indication.
Weight-based dosing: Oral: 25 to 40 mg/kg/dose (maximum dose: 2,000 mg) administered 3 hours before cidofovir infusion and 10 to 20 mg/kg/dose (maximum dose: 1,000 mg) at 2 to 3 hours and 8 to 9 hours after cidofovir infusion.
BSA-based dosing: Oral: 1,000 or 1,250 mg/m2/dose administered 3 hours prior to cidofovir, followed by 500 to 1,250 mg/m2/dose 1 to 2 hours and 8 hours after completion.
Children ≥2 years and Adolescents: CrCl <30 mL/minute: Avoid use (reduced efficacy with renal impairment).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
(For additional information see "Probenecid: Drug information")
Gonococcal infection, uncomplicated (adjunctive agent) (off-label use): Oral: 1 g as a single dose in combination with single-dose IM cefoxitin (CDC [Workowski 2021]).
Hyperuricemia with gout: Oral: 250 mg twice daily for 1 week; may increase to 500 mg twice daily; if needed, may increase to a maximum of 2 g/day (increase dosage in 500 mg increments every 4 weeks). If serum uric acid levels are within normal limits and gout attacks have been absent for 6 months, daily dosage may be reduced by 500 mg every 6 months.
Prolong penicillin serum levels: Oral: 500 mg 4 times/day. Note: Dosing per manufacturer, see indication-specific dosing.
Neurosyphilis, including ocular and otosyphilis (alternative agent) (off-label use): Oral: 500 mg 4 times daily plus procaine penicillin IM for 10 to 14 days (CDC [Workowski 2021]).
Pelvic inflammatory disease, mild to moderate (off-label use): Oral: 1 g as a single dose in combination with cefoxitin IM as a single dose plus doxycycline and metronidazole (CDC [Workowski 2021]).
GFR <30 mL/minute: Avoid use (reduced efficacy with renal impairment).
Note: Other agents are preferred over probenecid in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (stage ≥3) (ACR [FitzGerald 2020]).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Generic: 500 mg
Yes
Oral: Administer with food or antacids to minimize GI effects
Oral: Administer with food to minimize GI effects.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light.
Adjuvant to therapy with penicillins to prolong serum concentrations (FDA approved in ages ≥2 years and adults); treatment of hyperuricemia associated with gout and gouty arthritis (FDA approved in adults); has also been used with cephalosporin therapy to prolong serum concentrations and to prevent nephrotoxicity associated with cidofovir therapy
Probenecid may be confused with Procanbid
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
Frequency not defined.
Cardiovascular: Flushing
Central nervous system: Dizziness, headache, pain (costovertebral)
Dermatologic: Alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus, skin rash
Endocrine & metabolic: Gouty arthritis (acute)
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gingival pain, nausea, vomiting
Genitourinary: Hematuria, nephrotic syndrome
Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia (in G6PD deficiency), leukopenia
Hepatic: Hepatic necrosis
Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reaction
Renal: Polyuria, renal colic
Miscellaneous: Fever
Hypersensitivity to probenecid or any component of the formulation; small- or large-dose aspirin therapy; blood dyscrasias; uric acid kidney stones; children <2 years of age; initiation during an acute gout attack
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Allergic reaction: Has been associated with rare, severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Discontinue therapy if reaction occurs.
• Gout: May cause exacerbation of acute gouty attack.
Disease-related concerns:
• G6PD deficiency: Use caution in patients with G6PD deficiency; may increase risk for hemolytic anemia.
• Peptic ulcer disease: Use with caution in patients with peptic ulcer disease.
• Renal impairment: Monotherapy may not be effective in patients with a creatinine clearance <30 mL/minute. The American College of Rheumatology guidelines for the management of gout do not recommend probenecid as first-line or an alternative first-line urate-lowering therapy in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (stage ≥3) (ACR [FitzGerald 2020]).
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
• Methotrexate: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of methotrexate. Avoid concomitant use of probenecid and methotrexate if possible. If used together, consider lower methotrexate doses and monitor for methotrexate toxicity.
• Penicillin: Use of probenecid with penicillin in patients with renal insufficiency is not recommended.
• Salicylates: Salicylates may diminish the therapeutic effect of probenecid; this effect may be more pronounced with high, chronic doses, however, the manufacturer recommends the use of an alternative analgesic even in place of small doses of aspirin.
Inhibits MRP2, OAT1/3, UGT1A4, UGT1A6
Acetaminophen: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Acetaminophen. Probenecid may also limit the formation of at least one major non-toxic metabolite, possibly increasing the potential for formation of the toxic NAPQI metabolite. Management: Consider limiting acetaminophen use in combination with probenecid. Probenecid may reduce clearance of acetaminophen to one of its non-toxic metabolities, increasing the risk for acetaminophen toxicity, even a lower doses. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Anagliptin: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Anagliptin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Avibactam: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Avibactam. Risk X: Avoid combination
Baricitinib: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Baricitinib. Management: For rheumatoid arthritis, decrease the baricitinib dose to 1 mg daily when combined with probenecid. For COVID-19, reduce 4 mg daily to 2 mg daily or reduce 2 mg daily to 1 mg daily. Don't use probenecid if recommended baricitinib dose is only 1 mg daily. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Betalactamase Inhibitors: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Betalactamase Inhibitors. Management: Coadministration of probenecid with amoxicillin/clavulanate is not recommended per official package labeling. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Cabozantinib: MRP2 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Cabozantinib. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cefotaxime: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Cefotaxime. Management: Avoid cefotaxime doses greater than 6 g/day with concurrent probenecid. Any patients receiving this combination should be monitored closely for evidence of cefotaxime toxicity. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Cephalosporins: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Cephalosporins. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Deferiprone: UGT1A6 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Deferiprone. Risk X: Avoid combination
Dexketoprofen: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Dexketoprofen. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dichlorphenamide: OAT1/3 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Dichlorphenamide. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Doripenem: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Doripenem. This effect is due to probenecid's ability to decrease the active tubular secretion of doripenem. Risk X: Avoid combination
Ertapenem: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Ertapenem. Risk X: Avoid combination
Ganciclovir-Valganciclovir: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Ganciclovir-Valganciclovir. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Gemifloxacin: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Gemifloxacin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Imipenem: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Imipenem. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ketoprofen: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Ketoprofen. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ketorolac (Nasal): Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Ketorolac (Nasal). Risk X: Avoid combination
Ketorolac (Systemic): Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Ketorolac (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid combination
Loop Diuretics: Probenecid may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Loop Diuretics. Probenecid may diminish the diuretic effect of Loop Diuretics. Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Loop Diuretics. Management: Monitor for decreased diuretic effects or increased adverse effects of loop diuretics with concomitant use of probenecid. Bumetanide prescribing information recommends against concomitant use of probenecid. Risk C: Monitor therapy
LORazepam: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of LORazepam. Management: Reduce lorazepam dose 50% during coadministration with probenecid. Monitor for increased and prolonged lorazepam effects, particularly CNS depressant effects. Patients using lorazepam ER capsules should be switched to lorazepam tablets. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Meropenem: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Meropenem. Risk X: Avoid combination
Methotrexate: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Methotrexate. Management: If possible, the concomitant use of methotrexate and probenecid should be avoided. If used concomitantly, monitor closely for increased methotrexate serum concentrations and toxicities. Methotrexate dose reductions may be needed. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Minoxidil (Systemic): Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Minoxidil (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mycophenolate: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Mycophenolate. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nitrofurantoin: Probenecid may diminish the therapeutic effect of Nitrofurantoin. Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Nitrofurantoin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Oseltamivir: Probenecid may increase serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Oseltamivir. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pegloticase: Probenecid may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Pegloticase. Specifically, Probenecid may blunt increases in serum urate that would signal an elevated risk of anaphylaxis and infusion reactions. Risk X: Avoid combination
Penicillins: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Penicillins. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pexidartinib: UGT1A4 Inhibitors may increase the serum concentration of Pexidartinib. Management: Avoid use of UGT1A4 inhibitors and pexidartinib. If combined use is required, reduce the pexidartinib dose. If receving pexidartinib 800 mg or 600 mg daily, reduce to 200 mg twice daily. If receiving 400 mg per day, reduce to 200 mg once daily. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Phenprocoumon [INT]: Probenecid may decrease the serum concentration of Phenprocoumon [INT]. Risk C: Monitor therapy
PRALAtrexate: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of PRALAtrexate. Management: Avoid coadministration of pralatrexate with probenecid. If coadministration cannot be avoided, closely monitor for increased pralatrexate serum concentrations or possible toxicity with concomitant use of probenecid. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Propacetamol: Probenecid may increase serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Propacetamol. Specifically, accetaminophen exposure may be increased. Probenecid may also limit the formation of at least one major non-toxic acetaminophen metabolite, possibly increasing the formation of the toxic NAPQI metabolite. Management: Consider limiting the use of propacetamide in patients who are also taking probenecid. Patients may be at an increased risk for toxicity, even if reduced propacetamide doses are used. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Quinolones: Probenecid may decrease the excretion of Quinolones. Specifically, probenecid may decreased the renal excretion of quinolone antibiotics. Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Quinolones. Risk C: Monitor therapy
RifAMPin: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of RifAMPin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Salicylates: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Probenecid. Risk X: Avoid combination
Sodium Benzoate: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Sodium Benzoate. Specifically, probenecid may inhibit the renal transport of the hippuric acid metabolite of sodium benzoate. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sodium Phenylacetate: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Sodium Phenylacetate. Specifically, probenecid may inhibit the renal transport of the phenylacetylglutamine metabolite of sodium phenylacetate. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sulfonylureas: Probenecid may decrease the protein binding of Sulfonylureas. Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Sulfonylureas. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Theophylline Derivatives: Probenecid may increase the serum concentration of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Urea Cycle Disorder Agents: Probenecid may increase serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Urea Cycle Disorder Agents. Specifically, concentrations of phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Zidovudine: Probenecid may decrease the metabolism of Zidovudine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Drug may cause GI upset; take with food if GI upset. Drink plenty of fluids.
Probenecid crosses the placenta. Based on available data, an increased risk of adverse fetal events have not been reported (Gutman, 2012).
Uric acid, renal function, CBC
Competitively inhibits the reabsorption of uric acid at the proximal convoluted tubule, thereby promoting its excretion and reducing serum uric acid levels; increases plasma levels of weak organic acids (penicillins, cephalosporins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics) by competitively inhibiting their renal tubular secretion
Onset of action: Effect on penicillin levels: 2 hours; Uric acid renal clearance: 30 minutes
Absorption: Rapid and complete
Protein binding: 85% to 95%
Metabolism: Hepatic
Half-life elimination (dose dependent): Normal renal function: 6 to 12 hours
Time to peak, serum: 2 to 4 hours
Excretion: Urine
Tablets (Probenecid Oral)
500 mg (per each): $0.98 - $3.73
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