Novel Use of Probenecid to Alleviate Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY · Jun 22, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping or reducing their use of opioid medications. Opioids, like morphine, are often prescribed for chronic pain, but they can lead to dependence and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when patients try to cut back or stop. The researchers want to see if a medication called probenecid can help ease these withdrawal symptoms. Probenecid is already a safe drug that's commonly used for other conditions, so if it works, it could provide a new option for patients struggling with opioid withdrawal.

To participate in this trial, you need to be an adult over 18 years old with chronic pain who is currently taking opioid medication and plans to reduce your dose. Participants will be closely monitored during a twelve-week study period, where they will attempt to lower their opioid dosage. It’s important to note that certain medical conditions and medications may make you ineligible, so it’s best to discuss your situation with your doctor. This trial is actively recruiting participants and aims to provide a better understanding and management of opioid withdrawal, helping those affected by this serious issue.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adults with chronic pain. Age greater than or equal to 18 years on the day of enrolment.
• • 2. Subjects are currently taking a daily opioid pain medication and planning to taper the dose.
• • 3. Participants complete at least one voluntary opioid dose reduction in the twelve-week study period.
• • 4. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \> 50 mL/min
• • 5. Capable of providing informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Allergy to probenecid or related drugs
• • 2. History of uric acid renal calculi, if known to be urate calculi. If unknown type, then any history of renal calculi.
• • 3. Known G6PD deficiency
• • 4. Active gout in any joint
• 5. Current use of drugs whose exposure may be prolonged, or risk of toxicity increased when used in combination with probenecid:
• • 1. Penicillins, specifically ampicillin, penicillin G sodium, and piperacillin
• • 2. Carbapenems, specifically doripenem and meropenem
• • 3. Lorazepam, midazolam, nitrazepam
• • 4. Ketorolac
• • 5. Oseltamivir
• • 6. Methotrexate
• • 7. Mycophenolate
• 6. Current use of drugs which may mask symptoms of withdrawal:
• • a. Clonidine, lofexidine, tizanidine
• 7. Current use of drugs which may diminish the effect of probenecid:
• • a. High dose salicylates including greater than 325 mg PO daily of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
• • 8. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• • 9. Any major comorbid medical condition which might impair follow-up or result in a safety risk to the participant
• • 10. Participation in another clinical trial investigating a drug, medical device, or a medical procedure during the 30 days prior to enrolment.
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