COLCHICINE WITH PROBENECID - ORAL
(COAL-cheh-seen WITH pro-BEN-uh-sid)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S)
Col-Benemid, Col-Probenecid

USES
This medication is a combination of colchicine and probenecid. Colchicine is used in the treatment of gout. It relieves the pain of gout and helps prevent further attacks. Probenecid helps clear the body of uric acid which is increased in cases of gout. The combination is effective in the treatment of gout.

HOW TO USE
This medication is taken after an acute attack of gout has ended. It will not relieve an attack in progress. While taking this medication, drink at least six to eight 8 oz glasses of fluid a day to help prevent development of kidney stones. To help relieve stomach upset, this medication may be taken with food or antacids.

SIDE EFFECTS
Stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if these effects persist or become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop: yellowing of the eyes or skin, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding, muscle aches, numbness or tingling of legs and arms, fatigue, rash, fever, sore gums, breathing difficulties, itchy skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Alcohol can decrease the effectiveness of this medication. Limit alcohol consumption while taking this. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor you are taking colchicine with probenecid. If you have kidney, stomach, intestinal, heart or bleeding disorder problems, tell your doctor before you take this drug. The colchicine in this combination product is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. Colchicine passes into breast milk, though the effects on a nursing infant are in question. Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: methotrexate, penicillin-like antibiotics, cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin), oral diabetes medicines, indomethacin, nitrofurantoin. Aspirin and salicylate-type medicines can prevent probenecid from being fully effective. It is best to avoid these products. If you are to take a urine test while using this medication, tell the doctor or laboratory personnel that you are taking colchicine because colchicine may affect the test results. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; stomach pain; burning pain in throat, stomach, and skin; blood in urine; and muscle weakness.

NOTES
This drug relieves pain but only pain associated with gout. It should not be used for any other type of pain. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.