Penicillamine
About Penicillamine
Penicillamine is used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis (a joint disorder in which our immune system attacks our body cells), Wilson's disease (a genetic problem characterised by excess copper deposited in body parts like the eye, brain, and liver), and cystinuria (excess build-up of cystine in the urinary bladder and kidney).
Penicillamine contains Penicillamine, which works by blocking the action of certain chemical messengers. For Wilson's disease, it binds to the extra copper in the body and causes it to leave the body through the urine.
Penicillamine may cause common side effects such as protein in the urine, low platelet counts, stomach upset, diarrhoea, changes in taste, loss of appetite, mouth irritation, and mouth sores. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, talk to your doctor if these side effects persist.
Do not take Penicillamine if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, as Penicillamine causes serious congenital disabilities. Penicillamine should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers, as it passes into breast milk. Inform your doctor about your health condition and any medicines you are taking to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Penicillamine
Medicinal Benefits
For Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- Aids in reducing afflicted joints' stiffness, discomfort, and oedema.
- Reduces joint degeneration and deformity by acting as a disease-modifying agent.
- Improves everyday activities and mobility by managing symptoms.
- Beneficial for those who don't react well to other arthritis medications.
For Wilson’s Disease:
- Binds to excess copper in the body and aids in its excretion through the urine.
- Prevents major problems by lowering copper accumulation in the liver, brain, and other organs.
- Helps heal liver-related illnesses and reduces liver inflammation.
- May help with speech, mobility, and tremors caused by copper buildup.
For Cystinuria:
- Makes it easier to pass in urine by binding to cystine to form a more soluble molecule.
- Reduces the risk of recurrent cystine-induced kidney stones.
- Lessens discomfort and obstruction brought on by stone development.
- Beneficial for patients who don't react well to dietary modifications and other therapies.
Directions for Use
- Penicillamine should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid drinking milk while taking Penicillamine.
- Your doctor will determine the dosage and timing of this medication based on your medical condition. Typically, it is taken 3-4 times daily.
- Swallow Penicillamine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Penicillamine
- Protein in urine
- Low blood platelets
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhoea
- Change in taste
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth irritation
- Mouth sores
Medicines Containing this Salt
View All
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Penicillamine if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to penicillamine or any of the other ingredients in it.
- Inform your doctor if you have severe kidney problems, lupus erythematosus, agranulocytosis (a low white cell blood count), aplastic anaemia or thrombocytopenia (a blood disorder which causes bleeding into your skin, bruising and bleeding more than normal).
- Do not take Penicillamine if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant and breastfeeding. This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
- Caution should be required while taking Penicillamine by elderly patients as they may be at greater risk of suffering side effects if you are taking Penicillamine over a long time, especially if you are on a restricted diet, as this medicine increases the requirement for pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) so your doctor may also prescribe this vitamin for you.
- If you are taking iron tablets, antacids, or digoxin (used to treat heart failure), please maintain two hours gap between these tablets and Penicillamine.
- Low blood cell counts have happened while taking Penicillamine.
- If blood cell counts get very low, this can lead to bleeding problems, infections, or anaemia, and sometimes, these have been deadly.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines, as there may be an interaction.
- Iron supplements (carbonyl iron, ferrous sulfate)
• Potential effect: May reduce the effectiveness of Penicillamine. - Antacids (aluminium hydroxide, aluminium carbonate)
• Potential effect: May reduce the absorption of Penicillamine. - Medicines to treat cancers (azathioprine, cyclophosphamide)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of bone marrow suppression.
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not take copper-containing foods like shellfish, chocolate, nuts, mushrooms, and organ meats (liver pate, sweetbreads, etc.)
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Penicillamine, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Bone marrow suppression
- Kidney dysfunction
- Liver disease
- Anaemia
- Asthma
- Allergies.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Penicillamine. It could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
unsafePenicillamine is a pregnancy category D drug. It is not recommended to take Penicillamine while you are pregnant. Penicillamine may cause serious birth defects.
Breast Feeding
unsafePenicillamine should not be used in breastfeeding mothers as Penicillamine passes into breast milk.
Driving
cautionPenicillamine may cause dizziness, drowsiness and tiredness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
unsafePenicillamine is not recommended for the liver patients.
Kidney
cautionPenicillamine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Children
consult your doctorPenicillamine should be used in children under the care of the doctor. The dose may depend on the weight and age of the child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Diet:
- Limit consumption of spinach, wheat bran, nuts, beets and dairy products.
- Avoid high salt intake and foods containing baking soda.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- For Wilson’s disease: Try to avoid high-copper foods like shellfish, liver, nuts, chocolate, and mushrooms.
Lifestyle changes:
- Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Try to strengthen muscles and relieve joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
Physical activity:
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listen to soothing music.
Safety tips:
- Follow heat or cold therapy, apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20minutes regularly.
- Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Follow work safety regulations if you are at risk of occupational exposure.
- Wear necessary protective gear while working and do not take any contaminated material such as clothing or work gear to home.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise you to take blood and urine tests while using Penicillamine to examine your health condition and ensure that this medicine treats your condition.
- People with Wilson disease should avoid using copper-containing foods like shellfish, nuts, chocolate, mushroom, and organ meats.
- Avoid using copper containers for drinking, cooking and eating. Ensure running water you drink should be reduced copper level up to the minimum.
- If you are using any nutritional supplements or herbal supplements which contains copper tell your doctor about this. Your doctor may suggest any other alternative to this.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue), leading to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, joint inflammation, difficulty moving, and swelling.
Wilson’s disease: It is a rare genetic disorder that causes excess copper in the body. Copper plays an important role in the development of healthy nerves, bones, collagen, and the skin pigment melanin. Normally, copper is absorbed from the food; the liver filters out excess copper and releases it through urine. In People with Wilson’s disease, the liver cannot properly remove excess copper, and it then builds up in organs such as the brain, liver, and eyes.
Cystinuria: It is a condition in which the amino acid called cystine is present in the urine, leading to the formation of cystine stones in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Cystinuria symptoms usually include sharp pain in the lower back or side of the abdomen (renal colic), blood in the urine (hematuria), urinary tract obstruction, and urinary tract infections.
FAQs
Penicillamine is used to treat‚ severe rheumatoid arthritis, Wilsons disease, and cystinuria. Rheumatoid arthritis is a joint disorder in which our immune system attacks our body cells. Wilson disease is a genetic problem characterized by excess copper deposited in body parts like the eye, brain, and liver, leading to metal toxicity. Cystinuria is the excess build-up of an amino acid called cystine in the urinary bladder and kidney, leading to harmful effects.
Penicillamine works by blocking the actions of certain chemical messengers responsible for inflammation and preventing joint stiffness, thereby providing relief from rheumatoid arthritis.
Wilson's disease is a condition where the body cannot get rid of copper properly, causing damage to the liver, brain, and other organs. Penicillamine contains penicillamine, which helps the body remove excess copper.
Avoid taking other medicines at the same time while taking Penicillamine. If you take an iron supplement, take it at least 2 hours before or after you take Penicillamine. Iron can make it harder for your body to absorb Penicillamine. Avoid taking mineral supplements unless your doctor advises you to. Do not drink milk within 1 hour before or after you take Penicillamine. Do not take copper-containing foods like shellfish, chocolate, nuts, mushrooms, and organ meats (liver pate, sweetbreads, etc.)
Penicillamine may cause side effects such as protein in urine, low platelet counts, stomach upset or vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in taste, loss of appetite, mouth irritation, and mouth sores. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
Penicillamine should not be taken during pregnancy or if you are trying to become pregnant, as Penicillamine can cause birth defects, miscarriages or harm to unborn babies. Avoid becoming pregnant for at least 6 months after stopping the treatment with Penicillamine.
Penicillamine belongs to the class of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It is used to treat various conditions, including Wilson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cystinuria.
No, Penicillamine is not an antibiotic. It is actually a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat conditions like Wilson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cystinuria.
