Pro-Cid

Generic Name: Probenecid
Product Name: Pro-Cid

Indication

Probenecid is used in the following situations
-Prevention of gout
-To enhance the action of certain antibiotics in the treatment of infection.
-Treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV patients

Action

Probenecid increases the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys resulting in lower uric acid levels in the body and decreasing the likelihood of an attack of gout. It also reduces the kidney excretion of certain antibiotics which means the antibiotics remain in the bloodstream longer and in higher concentrations allowing it to work more effectively.

Dose advice

Prevention of Gout
The initial recommended dose is 250 mg twice a day for 1 week
Maintenance dosing is usually 500 mg twice a day
Doses should be titrated according to the urate concentration.
If required the daily dose may be increased by 500mg every 4 weeks up to a maximum daily dose of 2 g
If the patient remains free from acute attacks of gout for 6 months and the plasma urate concentration is controlled the daily dose may be reduced by 500 mg every 6 months until the lowest effective dose is reached.

To enhance the action of certain antibiotics in the treatment of infection
Adults
500 mg four times a day
In the case of uncomplicated gonorrhoea treatment, 1 g should be given as a single dose either at the same time as oral antibiotic or at least 30 minutes prior to administering an intravenous antibiotics

Children
The initial recommended dose is 25 mg per kg followed by 10 mg per kg every 6 hours
For children weighing greater than 50 kg an adult dose is given
Probenecid should not be used in children aged less than 2 years.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV patients
Given in conjunction with cidofovir
2 g is given three hours prior to commencing the cidofovir infusion, and then 1 g is given at 2 and 8 hours after completing the infusion.

Probenecid should be avoided in patients with kidney function impairment