Old gout drug could help people taper off opioids

NCT ID NCT04939623

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Calgary Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tests whether probenecid, a drug currently used for gout, can reduce withdrawal symptoms in people with chronic pain who are voluntarily lowering their opioid dose. Researchers will enroll 40 adults and randomly assign them to take probenecid or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal is to see if probenecid is safe and tolerable in this group.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Probenecid
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a safe, existing drug to help people with chronic pain reduce their opioid use more comfortably.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-phase pilot study focused on safety and tolerability, not yet on effectiveness. The drug may not reduce withdrawal symptoms significantly.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome morphine dependence opiate dependence substance withdrawal syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC PAIN DRUG DEPENDENCE OF MORPHINE TYPE SYMPTOM, WITHDRAWAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Centre
RECRUITING

Calgary, Alberta, T2T 5C7, Canada

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