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Overview: Probenecid/colchicine is used to treat long-term gouty arthritis. It works by lowering uric acid levels and decreasing inflammation. Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, cramping, and headache. Notify your healthcare provider if you develop a fever, are extremely weak or tired, or bleed or bruise easier than usual.

Uses

What is probenecid/colchicine used for?

Probenecid/colchicine is commonly used to treat long-term gouty arthritis, which is a form of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in your blood and joints. 

Probenecid/colchicine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does probenecid/colchicine work (mechanism of action)?

Probenecid helps with gout by removing uric acid from your body through your pee after your kidneys filter it out of your blood. Because of how it works, your kidneys need to be working well enough for probenecid to work.

Colchicine may block neutrophil activity to reduce or prevent inflammation with gout. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a big role in inflammation.

How is probenecid/colchicine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Col-Probenecid

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 mg/0.5 mg oral tablets

How should I store probenecid/colchicine?

Probenecid/colchicine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect probenecid/colchicine from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of probenecid/colchicine?

The most common side effects of probenecid/colchicine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea, stomach pain, or cramping
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle problems
  • Loss of appetite
  • Gout flares (see below)

There may be other side effects of probenecid/colchicine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of probenecid/colchicine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of probenecid/colchicine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Gout Flares. Probenecid/colchicine may increase your gout flares before making your symptoms better. It may take several months to reduce uric acid levels enough to manage your gout flares. It is very important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations, which may include drinking enough fluids and taking medicine for pain and inflammation while taking probenecid/colchicine.

Kidney Problems. Because probenecid/colchicine puts more uric acid in your pee, especially when you first start taking it, you may get an increase in uric acid kidney stones. These stones may cause problems, including the following.

  • Blood in your pee (hematuria)
  • Pain in your lower back area (flank pain, sometimes called renal colic)
  • Pain in your upper back near your ribs (sometimes called costovertebral pain)
  • Protein in your pee or poor kidney function (nephrotic syndrome)

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking probenecid/colchicine. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Blood Disorders. Probenecid/colchicine can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Stop using probenecid/colchicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Severe Allergic Reactions. Probenecid/colchicine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking probenecid/colchicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use probenecid/colchicine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take probenecid/colchicine.

  • Probenecid
  • Colchicine
  • Col-Probenecid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific probenecid/colchicine products they stock.

Pregnancy. Do not take probenecid/colchicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

Blood Disorders. People who have any blood disorders, known as blood dyscrasias, should not take probenecid/colchicine. Some examples of blood disorders include low red blood cell levels (anemia), low white blood cell levels (leukopenia), and low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any blood disorders.

Uric Acid Kidney Stones. People who currently have kidney stones that are made of uric acid should not take probenecid/colchicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had, or currently have, any type of kidney stone.

Gout Attack. People who are currently having a gout attack should not start taking probenecid/colchicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you are having a gout attack.

What should I know about probenecid/colchicine before using it?

Do not take probenecid/colchicine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share probenecid/colchicine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep probenecid/colchicine out of the reach of children.

Because probenecid/colchicine may increase the risk of uric acid kidney stones when you first start taking it, it is important to follow any advice from your healthcare provider about types of drinks and foods to avoid. Some drinks and foods may increase the risk of uric acid kidney stones.

Probenecid/colchicine may make it difficult for you to get your partner pregnant. This difficulty seems to go away after you stop taking probenecid/colchicine. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

You should not start taking probenecid/colchicine during a gout attack. However, if you have an attack while taking probenecid/colchicine, you should continue taking your usual dose. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to treat the gout attack.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using probenecid/colchicine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if probenecid/colchicine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Ulcers

Other Medicines and Supplements. Probenecid/colchicine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking probenecid/colchicine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. You should not take probenecid/colchicine while you are pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Probenecid/colchicine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take probenecid/colchicine while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while taking probenecid/colchicine, contact your healthcare provider if your baby has diarrhea. 

Interactions

Does probenecid/colchicine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between probenecid/colchicine and foods or drinks. However, gout and uric acid kidney stones associated with gout can become worse if you have certain foods or drinks. In general, acidic foods and drinks will worsen gout. Talk to your healthcare provider about what other foods and drinks you should avoid. 

You should limit or avoid foods and drinks that contain grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking probenecid/colchicine. Grapefruit may increase the amount of colchicine in your body, which may increase your risk of serious side effects. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect probenecid/colchicine. However, alcohol may increase your risk for gout attacks. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk of your gout getting worse if you drink alcohol.

Does probenecid/colchicine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking probenecid/colchicine.

  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
  • A salicylate, such as diflunisal or salsalate, which is a medicine used for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • An antibiotic, such as penicillin, ampicillin, or oxacillin
  • Pyrazinamide, which is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis
  • A sulfonylurea, such as glipizide, glimepiride, and glyburide, which is used for diabetes
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of probenecid/colchicine, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with probenecid/colchicine. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much probenecid/colchicine?

If you or someone else has used too much probenecid/colchicine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of probenecid/colchicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.