Probenecid inhibits the active resorption recovery of uric a

Probenecid inhibits the active resorption (recovery) of uric acid in the kidney. This causes urinary excretion of excess uric acid that is normally found in the bloodstream.

Part 1: Does the drug Probenecid raise or lower the level of uric acid in the body?

Part 2: If uric acid levels are elevated in a patient’s bloodstream it could lower the pH of the patient’s blood. The body maintains blood pH by depositing uric acid. Where can the body deposit uric acid?

Part 3: Why is deposition of uric acid (as related to your answer from Part 2) harmful to the body?

Part 4: Probenecid may be useful in treating a disease, what disease do you think probenecid would treat? DEFEND your answer. Provide the disease and the signs/symptoms and clearly state how the drug would treat the signs/symptoms.

Solution

Part 1

Probenecid lowers the level of uric acid in body; by excreting it out from the body.

Part 2

The body maintains blood pH by depositing uric acid in the form of crystals. These crystals form gout. Gouts are formed in joints of the body. Knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist and spine are the affected areas. Mostly, gout is formed in the big toe of leg.

Part 3

Deposition of uric acid is harmful for our body. It deposits in the form of gout. This may be extremely harmful for the joints. The excess uric acid acts as \'ground glass\' in our body. It destroys the joints completely, causing significant pain. In more severe conditions, it would lead to kidney damage.

Part 4

Gout

Explanation already given in part 2 and 3