Penicillamine is an antirheumatic medication that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved on the 21st of July, 1970. It is used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Wilson's disease (a genetic disorder causing copper buildup), cystinuria (a type of kidney stone disease), and as a chelating agent for heavy metal poisoning, including lead and mercury.

Penicillamine treats Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in organs like the liver and brain. It promotes copper excretion and prevents further damage to these organs. The medication also treats cystinuria, a condition where excessive cystine excretion leads to stone formation in the urinary tract, by reducing cystine levels and preventing stone formation. Additionally, penicillamine helps patients with severe active rheumatoid arthritis who haven't responded to conventional treatments by reducing inflammation and improving symptoms. While it is sometimes considered for ankylosing spondylitis, research suggests it is not effective for this condition.

Take penicillamine on an empty stomach at least one hour before meals or two hours after meals. Take it at least one hour apart from any other drug, food, or milk to ensure optimal absorption. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets. Since penicillamine increases your need for pyridoxine, you may need to take a daily pyridoxine supplement.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all drugs can cause side effects, not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects of Penicillamine:

• Generalised pruritus
• Rashes
• Pemphigus
• Drug eruptions with fever, arthralgia, or lymphadenopathy
• Anorexia
• Epigastric pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Occasional diarrhoea
• Loss of taste
• Oral ulcerations
• Cheilosis
• Glossitis
• Gingivostomatitis
• Leukopenia (Rare)
• Thrombocytopenia (Rare)
• Proteinuria
• Hematuria

Serious side effects of Penicillamine:

• Lupus erythematosus-like syndrome
• Urticaria
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Hepatic dysfunction
• Pancreatitis
• Reactivated peptic ulcer
• Toxic hepatitis
• Aplastic anaemia
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Renal failure
• Optic neuritis
• Peripheral neuropathies
• Muscular weakness
• Visual and psychic disturbances

• Serious reactions: Penicillamine can cause fatalities from conditions like aplastic anaemia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, Goodpasture's syndrome, and myasthenia gravis.
• Monitoring: Regular lab tests (urinalysis, WBC, haemoglobin, platelet count) are required, particularly in the first month.
• Blood disorders: Discontinue if WBC falls below 3500/mm³ or platelet count below 100,000/mm³.
• Renal risks: Monitor for proteinuria or haematuria, which may indicate nephrotic syndrome.
• Liver Function: Liver tests should be done every six months during therapy.
• Neurological effects: New neurological symptoms may develop, including myasthenia gravis.
• Pemphigus: Discontinue if pemphigus is suspected.
• Pregnancy risk: Penicillamine can cause fetal harm. It should be avoided unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Penicillamine may cause drug fever, skin rashes, and allergic reactions, such as lupus-like syndrome and oral ulcers. It can also lead to taste disturbances and skin issues, including bruising and excessive wrinkling. Patients should avoid using it with certain medications, including gold therapy. Doctors should exercise caution when prescribing it to patients with impaired renal function and monitor them closely. Pregnant women should not use penicillamine, and doctors should be cautious when prescribing it to the elderly or those with renal issues.

If you're prescribed penicillamine, monitor your health closely for signs of fever, rashes, or mouth ulcers. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as joint pain or swelling. Avoid taking it with certain medications, especially gold therapy. Ensure regular kidney function checks, particularly if you have existing kidney issues, and consult your doctor if you're pregnant or elderly before starting treatment.

1. Michael C. Byrns and Trevor M. Penning, Environmental Toxicology: Carcinogens and Heavy Metals, Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th edition, 2018, 1297-1315.
2. Gerard Laboratories, EMC, [Revised on October 2021] [Accessed on June 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2713/smpc
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/19853s012,014lbl.pdf
4. Mejias SG, Ramphul K. Penicillamine. 2023 Mar 27. In: StatPearls [Internet]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30020688/

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.