Benemid

Common use

Benemid is used to treat gout and gouty arthritis. Benemid reduces the amount of uric acid in your body by causing it to be passed in your urine. Benemid is also sometimes given together with penicillin antibiotics (including ampicillin, methicillin, oxacillin, cloxacillin, or nafcillin) to make them more effective.

Dosage and direction

Use the medicine exactly as directed. Drink plenty of water to prevent kidney stones while you are taking Benemid. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease; a stomach ulcer; or kidney stones.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Contraindications

You should not use Benemid if you are allergic to it, or if you have: uric acid kidney stones; a gout attack that has already started; or a blood cell disorder, such as anemia or low white blood cells.
Benemid should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you feel you need to take a mild pain reliever. Avoid using any medicine that may contain aspirin or other salicylates (such as Disalsid, Doan's Extra Strength, Ecotrin, Novasal, Nuprin Backache, Salflex, Salsitab, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Benemid may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: worsening gout symptoms; nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or swelling; painful or difficult urination; severe pain in your side or lower back; blood in your urine; urine that looks cloudy or foamy; puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain; or pale or yellowed skin.
Common side effects of Benemid may include: headache, dizziness; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); sore gums; urinating more than usual; itching, rash; or hair loss.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: acetaminophen (Tylenol); lorazepam; methotrexate; rifampin; diabetes medicine you take by mouth; a sulfa drug; or an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, or naproxen (Aleve).

Missed dose

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep away from children and pets.