Novel use of probenecid to alleviate symptoms of opioid withdrawal in people with chronic pain undergoing voluntary opioid tapering: a pilot study

Summary

This study is using a well-know drug called probenecid which is typically used for gout, to alleviate symptoms of opioid withdrawal in people with chronic pain undergoing voluntary opioid tapering.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 18 to 100

Inclusion criteria:

Participants must meet all the following inclusion criteria to participate in this study:
1. Adults with chronic non-cancer pain.
2. Age greater than or equal to 18 years at screen visit.
3. Subjects are currently taking a daily opioid pain medication and planning to taper the dose.
4. Participants willing to complete at least one voluntary opioid dose reduction in the twelve-week study period.
5. Women of childbearing potential must use contraception (refer to section 20.2).
6. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) > 50 mL/min
7. Capable of providing informed consent

Exclusion criteria:

Participants meeting any of the following exclusion criteria will be excluded from study participation:
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:
a. Penicillins, specifically ampicillin, penicillin G sodium, and piperacillin
b. Carbapenems, specifically doripenem and meropenem
c. Lorazepam, midazolam, nitrazepam
d. Ketorolac
e. Oseltamivir
f. Methotrexate
g. Mycophenolate
h. Any medication that the Principal Investigator determines may increase toxicity risks.
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: High dose salicylates including greater than 325mg PO daily dose 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.
11. Known blood dyscrasias as described in product monograph.
12. History of peptic ulcer disease.

Participate

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Method of contact

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Additional information

Contact information

Tammy Eberle

Principal investigator:

Lori Montgomery

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB22-1421