Probenecid
Also known as: Benemid, Benuryl
> **Important Note**: Probenecid is rarely used in dogs and cats, and its safety profile in these species is not fully established. It is more commonly prescribed for exotic pets, particularly reptiles. * **Purpose**: Used to treat gout in reptiles or to intentionally prolong the effects of certain antibiotics in the body. * **Administration**: Give exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give any new medications or supplements without consulting your vet, as probenecid interacts with many common drugs. * **Side Effects**: Watch for signs of stomach upset (loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting). Contact your vet if you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Gout
- Gout
- Gout
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Headache (humans)
- Inappetence
- Nausea
- Mild vomiting
- Rashes
- Increased rate of gouty attacks initially (if no prophylaxis)
- Hypersensitivity (rare)
- Bone marrow suppression (rare)
- Hepatotoxicity (rare)
- Nephrotic syndrome (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with or susceptible to uric acid renal or bladder calculus formation
- Urate nephropathy (e.g., cancer chemotherapy with rapidly cytolytic agents)
- Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min)
- Gout in birds (can exacerbate the condition)
- **Renal Function**: Probenecid requires sufficient renal function to be effective; efficacy decreases with increasing renal function impairment. **Avian Patients**: Not usually recommended for treating gout in birds as it can exacerbate the condition. **Laboratory Alterations**: May cause false-positive urine glucose (cupric sulfate method), falsely elevated theophylline levels, decreased 17-ketosteroid urine concentrations, and altered renal clearance study results.
Drug interactions
- Acyclovir: Increased acyclovir serum concentrations; probenecid can decrease renal excretion
- Antineoplastics (rapidly cytolytic): Increased chance of uric acid nephropathy
- Aspirin (and other salicylates): Salicylates antagonize the uricosuric effects of probenecid
- Benzodiazepines (lorazepam, oxazepam): Probenecid may prolong action or reduce time for onset of action
- Beta-lactam antibiotics: Probenecid may increase serum concentrations by reducing renal excretion
- Beta-lactamase inhibitors (sulbactam, tazobactam): Probenecid may increase serum concentrations by reducing renal excretion (does not affect clavulanic acid)
- Chlorpropamide: Probenecid decreases elimination; hypoglycemia is possible
- Ciprofloxacin/Enrofloxacin: Probenecid reduces renal tubular secretion of ciprofloxacin by about 50%. Significantly reduces renal excretion of enrofloxacin in goats.
- Dapsone: Possible accumulation of dapsone or its active metabolites
- Furosemide: Increased serum furosemide levels
Frequently asked questions
What is Probenecid used for in pets?
> **Important Note**: Probenecid is rarely used in dogs and cats, and its safety profile in these species is not fully established. It is more commonly prescribed for exotic pets, particularly reptiles. * **Purpose**: Used to treat gout in reptiles or to intentionally prolong the effects of certain antibiotics in the body. * **Administration**: Give exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give any new medications or supplements without consulting your vet, as probenecid interacts with many common drugs. * **Side Effects**: Watch for signs of stomach upset (loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting). Contact your vet if you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms.
Is Probenecid safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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