Often used for:
Kidney protection with cidofovir; lowering uric acid
What is probenecid?
Probenecid is used to protect the kidneys during cidofovir therapy and to lower uric acid levels. It is available as tablets or pharmacy-compounded oral solutions.
Probenecid at home
- Follow exact dosing timing around cidofovir infusions (3 hours before, 2 hours after, and 8 hours after).
- Store tablets at room temperature.
- Refrigerate compounded liquid doses and discard 24 hours after preparation.
- Contact the care team for missed dose instructions.
- Use safe handling and disposal practices.
Possible side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Skin rash or itching
- Decreased appetite
- Joint pain, redness, or swelling
- Dizziness, especially when standing
- Increased urination
- Flushing of the face
- Allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck)
- Not all patients experience these effects. Report symptoms.
Tips for patients and families
- Discuss instructions with the care team, especially regarding cidofovir schedules.
- Inform the care team about sulfur-containing medicine allergies.
- Take with food to lessen stomach upset.
- Drink plenty of fluids to reduce kidney stone risk.
- Review all medicines with the pharmacist; probenecid interacts with many drugs.
- Avoid aspirin-containing medicines and alcohol.
