Uses of Penicillamine

Penicillamine is used to provide relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (joint pain) including Still’s disease in both adults and in children when other medicines have not worked adequately. Due to its chelating property, it is also indicated for the management of Wilson’s disease, lead poisoning and cystinuria in both adults and in children. It can also be used to treat chronic active hepatitis in adult patients.

Therapeutic Category

Penicillamine: Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS)

How Penicillamine works

Penicillamine is a chelating agent. It effectively chelates heavy metals such as copper and lead and promotes the excretion of these metals in urine. It also forms a soluble complex with cysteine which helps in the dissolution of cysteine calculi present in the kidneys, ureters or bladder. In rheumatoid arthritis, it acts by depressing the activity of T-lymphocytes and by increasing the levels of soluble collagen which reduces pain, stiffness, inflammation and swelling. In chronic hepatitis, it acts by enhancing liver detoxification and protects your liver from further damage.

Common side effects of Penicillamine

• protein in urine 

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, sudden swelling, difficulty in breathing, chest pain or fever)
• Signs of thrombocytopenia (bruising easily, nose bleeds or bleeding gums)
• Blood in urine
• Signs of anemia (feeling tired or weak and paleness of the skin)

Health Tips for Penicillamine

• Follow your doctor's instructions and take penicillamine exactly as prescribed. Do not alter the dosage or stop taking it without consulting your doctor
• Penicillamine should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals
• Do not abruptly stop taking Penicillamine without consulting your healthcare provider
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Penicillamine can interact with certain drugs
• Penicillamine is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast feeding women