Generic Benemid

Introduction

Benemid is a pharmaceutical product marketed in the United Kingdom that contains the active compound Probenecid. It belongs to the therapeutic group most often associated with pain‑related disorders because it is routinely used to lower serum uric acid levels, thereby preventing gout attacks that cause acute joint pain. Probenecid works by increasing the renal excretion of uric acid, a critical step in the long‑term management of gout and certain types of kidney stones. Although the primary indication is gout prophylaxis, clinicians sometimes employ Probenecid as an adjunct to enhance the effectiveness of certain antibiotics. Benemid is produced by licensed manufacturers that supply the UK market through wholesale channels, and the same active ingredient is available under generic Probenecid formulations.

What is Benemid?

Benemid is a branded oral tablet that delivers the uricosuric agent Probenecid. The product is classified as a uricosuric agent and is listed in the British National Formulary (BNF) under drugs that modify renal handling of uric acid. Development of Probenecid dates back to the 195s, when it was first introduced to improve uric acid clearance in patients with hyperuricaemia. The medication is manufactured by several GMP‑certified pharmaceutical companies that hold a United Kingdom marketing authorisation; the exact name on the packaging may vary according to the supplier.

Benemid is the generic version of the original Probenecid‑containing tablets that have been sold under well‑known brand names such as Probenecid and Uricosan in various markets. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option, offering the same therapeutic potency at a lower price point.

How Benemid Works

Probenecid, the active ingredient in Benemid, is a uricosuric agent that acts on the proximal renal tubules. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys filter uric acid from the blood and then re‑absorb a substantial proportion of it via the organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) and other urate‑handling proteins. Probenecid competitively inhibits these transporters, reducing re‑absorption and promoting the secretion of uric acid into the urine. The result is a 30‑50 % increase in urinary uric acid excretion, which lowers serum urate concentrations over several days.

The therapeutic effect appears within 2‑3 days of the first dose, with a steady‑state reduction in serum urate achieved after about 2 weeks of regular dosing. Because the drug is eliminated primarily unchanged by the kidneys, renal function influences both efficacy and safety. The half‑life of Probenecid ranges from 4 to 12 hours, allowing for once‑ or twice‑daily dosing regimens.

In addition to its uricosuric activity, Probenecid modestly inhibits the renal tubular secretion of certain β‑lactam antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin, penicillins), prolonging their plasma concentrations. This secondary pharmacodynamic property underlies its occasional use as an adjunct to increase antibiotic efficacy.

Conditions Treated with Benemid

• Gout (chronic hyperuricaemia) – The principal indication for Benemid in the UK. By increasing uric acid excretion, the drug reduces the frequency of acute gout flares and can prevent the formation of new tophi.
• Radiolucent kidney stones – Some calcium oxalate or uric acid stones benefit from lowered serum urate, decreasing stone recurrence.
• Adjunctive therapy with β‑lactam antibiotics – In selected infections, Probenecid’s ability to raise plasma antibiotic levels can improve treatment outcomes, although this use is off‑label in the UK.

Gout affects approximately 2–3 % of the adult UK population, with prevalence increasing with age and obesity. The disease imposes a substantial burden of joint pain, reduced mobility, and healthcare costs, making effective urate‑lowering agents such as Benemid essential components of long‑term management strategies.

Who is Benemid For?

• Adults with confirmed hyperuricaemia who have experienced one or more gout attacks despite lifestyle modification.
• Patients who are intolerant or contraindicated for xanthine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., allopurinol, febuxostat) due to hypersensitivity or severe renal impairment.
• Individuals with uric acid kidney stones who require a pharmacologic strategy to reduce stone formation.
• Clinicians seeking to augment β‑lactam antibiotic concentrations in specific infection scenarios, provided that renal function permits safe use.

Benemid is not suitable for patients with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) because reduced clearance can lead to drug accumulation and increased risk of toxicity. It is also contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Probenecid or any of the tablet excipients, and it should be used with caution in those taking anticoagulants, sulfonamides, or drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Headache
• Dizziness, especially on standing (orthostatic hypotension)
• Mild rash or pruritus

These events are usually transient and may resolve without discontinuation of therapy.

Rare

• Acute kidney injury, particularly when combined with nephrotoxic agents or in the setting of dehydration
• Severe cutaneous adverse reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (very infrequent)
• Hemolytic anemia in patients with glucose‑6‑phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice promptly.

Serious

• Allergic anaphylaxis – rapid onset of breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, and hypotension. Immediate emergency care is required.
• Crystalluria and renal colic – high concentrations of uric acid in the urine can precipitate crystals, causing flank pain and possible obstruction. Adequate hydration mitigates this risk.

Any sign of serious adverse reaction warrants immediate cessation of Benemid and urgent medical evaluation.

Clinically Relevant Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) – Probenecid may increase INR; monitoring is advised.
• Sulfonamides – Competitive inhibition at renal transporters can raise sulfonamide plasma levels, increasing toxicity risk.
• β‑lactam antibiotics – Co‑administration intentionally prolongs antibiotic levels; dose adjustment of the antibiotic may be necessary.
• Methotrexate – Reduced renal clearance can lead to elevated methotrexate concentrations; avoid concurrent use.
• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – May exacerbate renal side effects; monitor renal function.

Patients should provide a complete medication list, including over‑the‑counter drugs and supplements, to their healthcare professional before initiating Benemid.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing – The usual starting regimen is 500 mg taken orally twice daily (total 1 g per day). Dose may be titrated up to 2 g per day, divided into two doses, according to serum urate response and tolerability.
• Administration – Tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Dosing with meals is optional, but consistency (with or without food) helps maintain stable plasma levels.
• Missed dose – If a dose is forgotten and it is less than 12 hours until the next scheduled dose, take the missed tablet as soon as remembered. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule; do not double‑dose.
• Overdose – Acute ingestion of a large amount of Benemid may cause severe gastrointestinal upset, electrolyte disturbances, and renal impairment. should seek urgent medical attention. Activated charcoal may be considered if presentation is early, and supportive measures such as intravenous hydration are standard.
• Precautions – Adequate fluid intake (at least 2 L of water per day) is essential to minimise crystalluria. Alcohol should be avoided because it can exacerbate dehydration and renal stress. Regular monitoring of serum urate, renal function, and liver enzymes is recommended during long‑term therapy.

Buying Benemid from Our Online Pharmacy

Benemid can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialise in providing affordable, highquality generic medications to patients who may have limited access through conventional channels.

• Affordable pricing – Our cost structure is close to manufacturer price, allowing us to offer Benemid at a fraction of the retail cost found in many high‑street pharmacies.
• Verified quality – All products are sourced from licensed overseas wholesalers that meet European Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Each batch undergoes independent verification for authenticity and potency.
• Guaranteed delivery – We provide discreet packaging with express shipping (typically 7 days) or regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks), supported by a tracking system that respects patient privacy.
• Online‑only access – As a pharmacy broker service we collaborate with a network of international, licensed pharmacies, enabling us to offer medications not readily stocked in the UK without compromising safety or regulatory compliance.

Our service is designed for individuals seeking a reliable, confidential, and cost‑effective way to obtain Benemid when standard pharmacy routes are unavailable or financially prohibitive.

FAQ

• Can Benemid be taken while travelling abroad?
  Yes, Benemid tablets can be carried in hand luggage or checked baggage for personal use. Keep the medication in its original labelled packaging, and ensure you have a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s note if required by customs authorities in the destination country.

• Does Benemid require refrigeration or special temperature control?
  No, Benemid is stable at room temperature. Store the tablets in a dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Excessive temperature fluctuations can degrade the active ingredient over time.

• What do Benemid tablets look like and what inactive ingredients do they contain?
  Benemid tablets are typically round, white to off‑white, and marked with the dosage strength (e.g., “500 mg”). Inactive ingredients commonly include lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate, although exact excipients may vary between manufacturers.

• Are there differences between UK‑produced and overseas formulations of Probenecid?
  The active compound, Probenecid, is identical across regions, but variations can exist in tablet size, colour, and filler composition. Both UK and overseas manufacturers must comply with GMP standards, ensuring comparable bioavailability and safety.

• Can Benemid affect drug testing for employment or sport?
  Probenecid is not a prohibited substance in most standard drug‑screening panels. However, it can cause false‑positive results for certain laboratory assays, such as those measuring uric acid metabolites. Inform the testing laboratory if you are taking Benemid.

• What are the UK regulations regarding personal import of Benemid for private use?
  The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) permits individuals to import a 3‑month supply of prescription‑only medicines for personal use, provided the product is obtained from a licensed pharmacist abroad and is not for resale. Importation must comply with customs declarations and any applicable duties.

• Is there a known ethnic or genetic variation that influences Benemid’s effectiveness?
  Certain genetic polymorphisms in the OAT1 transporter can modify Probenecid’s uricosuric effect, leading to variable responses among individuals of different ethnic backgrounds. Routine genetic testing is not required, but clinicians may consider dose adjustments in patients who do not achieve target serum urate levels.

• How was Probenecid originally discovered and what historic trials supported its use?
  Probenecid was first synthesised in the early 195s by the pharmaceutical company Ciba (now part of Novartis) as a means to prolong the action of penicillin. Early clinical trials demonstrated a 40 % increase in uric acid excretion, establishing its role in gout management. Subsequent multicentre studies in the 197s confirmed its long‑term efficacy and safety profile.

• How does Benemid compare with other urate‑lowering drugs such as allopurinol?
  Unlike allopurinol, which inhibits uric acid production (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor), Benemid enhances renal excretion of uric acid. Benemid may be preferred in patients with allopurinol hypersensitivity, mild renal impairment, or in combination therapy to achieve target urate levels more rapidly.

• Can Benemid be taken with dietary supplements like vitamin C or cherry extract?
  Vitamin C and cherry extract have modest uric‑lowering properties and are generally safe to use alongside Benemid. Nevertheless, high doses of vitamin C may increase urinary oxalate, potentially raising the risk of calcium oxalate stones; patients with a history of such stones should discuss supplement use with their clinician.

Glossary

Uricosuric agent

A class of medication that promotes the elimination of uric acid in the urine by inhibiting its re‑absorption in the renal tubules.

Organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1)

A protein located in the kidney’s proximal tubule cells that facilitates the uptake of various organic anions, including uric acid and several drugs. Probenecid blocks this transporter to increase uric acid excretion.

Crystalluria

The presence of crystals, often composed of uric acid, in the urine. It can cause irritation, hematuria, or renal colic if large amounts accumulate.

Serum urate (uric acid) level

The concentration of uric acid measured in the blood; elevated levels are a risk factor for gout and uric‑acid kidney stones.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Benemid is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Benemid for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.