Drug reference
penicillamine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Musculoskeletal (DMARDs)
Mechanism of action
Chelates gold, copper, mercury, and arsenic. Cystinuria: forms disulfide bonds with cysteine and facilitates excretion of cysteine-penicillamine complex rather than cystine. Rheumatoid arthritis: unknown; depresses T-cell activity in vitro.
Common side effects
- Worsening neurologic symptoms
- Rash
- Leukopenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Proteinuria
Contraindications
- Penicillin allergy, discontinue if immune reactions History of penicillamine-related aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis Renal insufficiency (avoid if CrCl <50 mL/min) Concurrency with gold salts, antimalarials, immunosuppressants, phenylbutazone
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is penicillamine?
penicillamine belongs to: Musculoskeletal.
How does penicillamine work?
Chelates gold, copper, mercury, and arsenic. Cystinuria: forms disulfide bonds with cysteine and facilitates excretion of cysteine-penicillamine complex rather than cystine. Rheumatoid arthritis: unknown; depresses T-cell activity in vitro.
What are the common side effects of penicillamine?
Worsening neurologic symptoms, Rash, Leukopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Proteinuria
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