About penicillami ne
Chelating agent; immunosuppressant
Used for
- Wilson disease
- Cystinuria
- Severe rheumatoid arthritis when other treatments fail
Usual adult dose
Wilson disease: usually 750–1,500 mg daily in divided doses. Other conditions require individualized dosing.
Usual dose in children
Wilson disease: usually 20 mg/kg daily in divided doses; specialist adjustment is needed.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Rash or itching
- Taste changes
- Low blood-cell counts or kidney problems
Important warnings
- Can cause serious blood disorders and kidney damage; monitoring is essential.
- Take on an empty stomach, separated from food and other medicines.
- May worsen myasthenia gravis or cause severe allergic reactions.
- Avoid in pregnancy unless specifically prescribed for Wilson disease.
Pregnancy
Risks depend on the condition; stopping treatment for Wilson disease can be dangerous. Specialist supervision is essential.
Breastfeeding
Use only with medical advice; safety information is limited.
Interactions
- Iron, zinc, and antacids reduce absorption; separate doses.
- Can increase toxicity from gold, antimalarial, or cytotoxic medicines.
- May reduce absorption of digoxin and other medicines.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.