Benuryl is made up of probenacid, which is a uricosurics. This is a tablet form medication, usually either yellow or white in color, available as the brand name Benuryl in 500mg.

Benuryl is used to treat and prevent gout. Gout is a form of arthritis and is considered one of the more painful types. Symptoms of gout usually include severe pain, redness, and swelling in joints. Gout symptoms are constantly on and off, but usually occur at night. Benuryl will not help for an attack that has already begun as it is a uricosuric; you would need a NSAID (anti-inflammatory medication) to help relieve an already-started gout attack.

Benuryl works by decreasing the amounts of uric acid (the cause of gout) in the blood. It does this by allowing the kidneys to pass the uric acid into the urine.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor.

Swallow whole and drink with water.

Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. 

Keep out of reach of pets and children.

It must be used regularly in order to be effective; take this medication around the same time every day to ensure you do not miss a dose.

Recommended dose - Adults

Initial - 250mg TWICE a day for ONE week.

Maintenance – 500mg TWICE a day

Max dose- 2g a day

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies

Do not use Benuryl if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding on this medication.

Do not give probenecid to children under two years of age.

You should not take Benuryl if you;

are allergic to probenacid, are having an acute gout attack (wait until the attack has gone away), have known blood disorders, have or have had a stomach or intestine ulcer, and have uric acid kidney stones or are at risk of uric acid kidney stones.

Some common side effects include:

Dizziness, flushing or redness of the face (occurring without any signs of an allergic reaction), frequent urge to urinate, headache, joint pain, redness, or swelling, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting (mild), sore gums

More serious but less common side effects include:

Bloody urine, cloudy urine, cough or hoarseness, difficult or painful urination, fast or irregular breathing, fever, lower back or side pain (especially if severe or sharp)

Stop taking this medication immediately if:

Changes in the skin color of the face occurring together with any of the other side effects listed here fast or irregular breathing, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in the chest, or wheezing, skin rash, hives, or itching occurring together with any of the other side effects listed here

What other ways can Benuryl be used?

Benuryl is also used for prolonging the action of another antibiotic, such as penicillin.

What should I avoid while taking Benuryl?

Avoid coffee, spicy food and alcohol while taking this medication.

What are the signs of an allergic reaction?

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

Sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis); itchy, red, watering eyes (conjunctivitis); wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a cough; a raised, itchy, red rash (hives); and/or swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face.