Penicillamine

Molecule Description

Penicillamine is ‘Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drug (DMARD)’ primarily used

for the treatment of Wilson’s disease (a rare genetic disorder which causes copper accumulation in the body) and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Penicillamine

Wilson’s disease
In severe rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatment
In cystinuria (excess of an amino acid called cystine in the urine which causes kidney stones)
Lead metal poisoning
Liver disease called chronic active hepatitis in adults

Contraindications of Penicillamine

When should one not use Penicillamine

Do not take this medicine if you have an allergy to this medicine
After taking this medicine your white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells count decreases
You have systemic lupus erythematosus, a disease in which the body attacks its healthy tissue
You have kidney disease

Side effects of Penicillamine

Common side effects of this drug are:

Bleeding through nose, gums, etc.
Skin bruise
Appearance of protein in urine

Precautions and Warnings of Penicillamine

Pregnancy

Can I take Penicillamine during pregnancy?

It is probably considered unsafe to use this medicine during pregnancy, as it can cause adverse effects on unborn babies. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Penicillamine while breastfeeding?

This medicine can pass into breast milk and can cause adverse effects on the breastfed baby, therefore avoid this medicine in breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for advice.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Penicillamine?

Using this medicine usually does not usually affect your ability to drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Penicillamine?

No study found about an interaction of this medicine with alcohol.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have allergy with gold or medicines containing gold
Your urine contains protein or blood
You have low white blood cell count
Your age is more than 60 years

Mode of Action of Penicillamine

How Does It Work?

This medicine reduces the unusual response of the body's immune system in Rheumatoid Arthritis. It also acts by binding to accumulated copper and lead and its elimination through the body.

Interactions of Penicillamine

Interactions with other medicines

Gold, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Clozapine increase the side effects of this medicine when taken together
Iron medicine, antacids, zinc can change the effectiveness of this medicine
Digoxin

Interactions with food items

No specific interactions with food have been reported yet.

Dietary Restrictions of Penicillamine

No data available.

Dosage of Penicillamine

Overdose

Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you consume more medicine than your usual dosing.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. If the time for next dose is near, skip the missed dose and do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Ravi Kakarla

MBBS, MBA

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?

A: You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to it, if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a history of stomach ulcers, a weak immune system or if you are malnourished.

Q: When should I consult a doctor if I am on treatment with this medicine?

A: Consult your doctor if there is severe joint and muscle pain when you are on treatment with this medicine.

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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