Benemid

Benemid Product Description

Drug Uses

Benemid is known as a uricosuric medication used to reduce the uric acid level in blood. The drug is indicated to treat excess of uric acid (hyperuricemia) in children and adults with chronic gout and gouty arthritis. The mechanism of action of Benemid, a uricosuric drug, is based on its ability to reduce the uric acid reabsorption into the renal tubules and to enhance its excretion.

Benemid should be noted to be indicated as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy in some cases (e.g., in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhoea). Benemid prevents renal excretion of some antibacterial agents increasing their concentration in the blood. It enhances the therapeutic effect of antibiotics.
The recommended Benemid dose for adults is 250mg twice a day for a week. The daily Benemid dose should not exceed 2 g. The daily Benemid dose for children above 2 year old is recommended to be adjusted depending on the body weight.

Missed dose

If you have forgotten to take a dose of the uricosuric medication, just take the missed dose of Benemid as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose of the antigout drug if it is nearly time for your next dose of Benemid. If more than 12 hours are passed since the dose is missed, just skip it and take the next dose of the antigout drug as usual (at the scheduled time and the prescribed dosage).

More Information

Benemid is not meant to be used in acute gout attacks and in patients with chronic renal failure. Benemid is supposed to be indicated with extra caution to patients with history of peptic ulcer. Using the drug, some patients may experience side effects affecting the central nervous system, such as cephalalgia and vertigo.

Therefore, patients should be advised take caution while driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery. As a rule, Benemid is tolerated quite well; however, some patients may experience allergic skin reactions and dyspepsia during the uricosuric drug application.

Storage
Benemid tablets must be stored out of reach of children in a dry place at temperature to 25°C. Do not keep Benemid in the steamy places such as kitchen or bathroom to protect the tablets from direct moisture, heat, and light.

Benemid Safety Information

Warnings

Patients suffering from nephrolithiasis and blood dyscrasia are not advised to use Benemid. Salicylates can reduce or even completely block a uricosuric activity of Benemid, so the medications should not be administered simultaneously.

Sometimes, an acute gout attack may appear while using Benemid to treat chronic gout. In coadministration of Benemid and oral sulfonylureas in diabetes patients, the risk of hypoglycemia seems to be increased.

Benemid inhibits tubular secretion of methotrexate (anticancer drug), increasing its toxicity. Therefore, while both drugs are used simultaneously, the dose of methotrexate is to be decreased, to reduce toxic capacity of the anticancer drug.

Allopurinol inhibits metabolic transformation of Benemid and increases its uricosuric action. Clinical studies have revealed that Benemid can increase plasma concentrations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (naproxen, ketoprofen, meclofenamate), and benzodiazepines (lorazepam, midazolam, nitrazepam).

Disclaimer
Information about Benemid is a general overview, not meant to be considered as the consultation with the rheumatologist. The online pharmacy shall not be responsible for any claim of loss or damages suffered by any person, for any decisions, whether taken or not, based on subjective interpretation of information about Benemid and treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Benemid Side Effects

Most unwanted effects, caused by Benemid, are mild and usually disappear in a while. Such unwanted effects as dizziness, vomiting, appetite loss, sore gums, headache, and mild nausea do not require Benemid intake to be stopped.Sometimes, joint diseases, such as pain, redness and swelling can be observed among rare unwanted effects met during therapy with Benemid. Benemid is not recommended in combination with chloroquine, as this may cause retinopathy.