Probenecid-AFT 500mg

Probenecid-AFT general information

What is Probenecid-AFT used for?

Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg are used to treat gout and gouty arthritis to relieve painful symptoms at all stages of the condition, also to prevent attacks of gout in people at risk of developing gout. Gout is caused by build up of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia) and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints and tissues. Probenecid-AFT 500mg is also used to prevent hyperuricaemia which can be induced or aggravated by some diuretics that are used to treat oedema and hypertension. Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg also have another use in increasing the effectiveness of penicillin antibiotics by prolonging the length of time the antibiotic remains in the blood before it is excreted into the urine.

How does Probenecid-AFT work?

Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg contain probenecid, which is a uricosuric drug that promotes the excretion of uric acid in the urine and this reduces the concentration of uric acid in the blood. Probenecid-AFT acts on the tubules of the kidneys and blocks the reabsorption of uric acid by competing with the membrane transporter for uric acid and preventing its uptake. High concentrations of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia) result in the formation of crystals which are deposited in the joints and tissues, causing the painful symptoms associated with gout. As the amount of uric acid in the blood is reduced existing crystals are dissolved and the formation of new crystals is limited. Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg relieve joint pain caused by gout which allows greater mobility of the affected joint; they also help prevent further joint destruction due to deposition of more uric acid crystals. Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg also increase and prolong the blood concentration of beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin, by inhibiting the secretion of penicillin by the kidneys into the urine, which means it stays in the blood for longer and is therefore more effective.

What does Probenecid-AFT contain?

Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg contain the active ingredient probenecid, which is a uricosuric agent that is used to treat gout by lowering the blood levels of uric acid.

Treating gout with Probenecid-AFT

Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg contain probenecid, which is a uricosuric drug that in that promotes the excretion of uric acid in the urine. Gout is a painful condition of the joints that is caused by build up of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia) and the formation of uric acid crystals which are deposited in the joints and tissues. Probenecid-AFT 500mg acts on the tubules of the kidneys and blocks the reabsorption of uric acid by preventing its uptake into the tubules and this reduces the concentration of uric acid in the blood. As the amount of uric acid in the blood is reduced existing crystals are dissolved and the formation of new crystals is limited. Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg relieve joint pain caused by gout which allows greater mobility of the affected joint; they also help prevent further joint destruction due to deposition of more uric acid crystals.

What are the side effects of Probenecid-AFT?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg include: urinating more than usual, mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, sore gums, mild itching or skin rash, hair loss, flushing.

When should Probenecid-AFT not be used?

You should not use Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg if you:

• are allergic to Probenecid-AFT or any ingredients in Probenecid-AFT tablets
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have an acute gouty attack, you should wait until the attack has subsided
• have blood dyscrasias (blood cell disorder) such as anaemia, or decreased white blood cells
• have uric acid kidney stones
• have kidney disease or a history of peptic ulcer, without due caution
• are taking medicines that interact with Probenecid-AFT, including: methotrexate for cancer treatment, pyrazinamide for tuberculosis, the analgesic acetaminophen, NSAIDs like naproxen, indomethacin, ketoprofen and meclofenamate, lorazepam for anxiety, the antibiotic rifampicin, the antiretrovirals acyclovir, ganciclovir and zidovudine for HIV, sulfonylureas for diabetes, sulphonamide antibiotics, salicylates like aspirin

What medications interact with Probenecid-AFT?

Several medications interact with Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Probenecid-AFT or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that affect Probenecid-AFT: pyrazinamide for tuberculosis
• Drugs that are affected by Probenecid-AFT: methotrexate for cancer treatment, the analgesic acetaminophen, NSAIDs like naproxen, indomethacin, ketoprofen and meclofenamate, lorazepam for anxiety, the antibiotic rifampicin, the antiretrovirals acyclovir, ganciclovir and zidovudine for HIV, sulfonylureas for diabetes, sulphonamide antibiotics, salicylates like aspirin

How should Probenecid-AFT be taken?

You should take your Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg with a glass of water twice daily. The dose you take should be as recommended by your doctor, which for gout will be to start with half a tablet (250mg) for the first week then a whole tablet after that. Your doctor may recommend that you increase your dose further, depending on your condition. If you are taking Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg with an antibiotic your doctor will recommend the dose you take, which may be up to 2000mg (4 tablets) daily in divided doses. You should continue to take your Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg until your blood levels of uric acid are within the normal range, your dose will then be reduced to a maintenance level for as long as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Probenecid-AFT?

You should continue to take your Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg until your blood levels of uric acid are within the normal range, your dose will then be reduced to a maintenance level for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Probenecid-AFT

If you miss a dose of Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Probenecid-AFT be stored?

You should store your Probenecid-AFT tablets 500mg between 15-30°C in a cool dry place.