Penicillamine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is Penicillamine used for?

Penicillamine is a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Wilson's disease (a condition in which high levels of copper in the body cause damage to the liver, brain, and other organs), and certain disorders that cause kidney stones (cystinuria).

For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, penicillamine is known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). This medication helps to reduce pain / tenderness / swelling in the joints.

For the treatment of Wilson's disease, penicillamine binds to copper and helps remove it from the body. Decreased levels of copper help to improve liver function and restore mental / mood / nervous problems (eg confusion, difficulty speaking / walking) caused by illness.

For the treatment of cystinuria, penicillamine helps reduce the amount of a certain substance (cystine) in the urine that can cause kidney stones.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed on the label of any drug approved by a health care professional but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed in this section if only it has been prescribed by your healthcare professional.

This drug can also be used to treat lead poisoning.

How do you use Penicillamine?

Take this medication on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after eating) as directed by your doctor. Take this medication at least 1 hour from using other drugs (especially antacids), milk, or food.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this remedy regularly to get its benefits. To help you remember, use it at the same time every day.

Your doctor may also direct you to take vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and iron. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. If you need to use iron or other products that contain minerals (such as zinc), use them at least 2 hours before or after using penicillamine. Consult your doctor before using products that contain minerals as they can block the absorption of penicillamine.

For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, it may take 2 to 3 months before you see any improvement in your condition.

For the treatment of Wilson's disease, follow the diet recommended by your doctor for optimum benefits. Your condition may not recover for 1 to 3 months and may actually get worse when you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if your condition continues to get worse after a month of treatment.

For cystinuria treatment, follow the diet recommended by your doctor to get the benefits of this drug. Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Penicillamine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using Penicillamine drugs?

In deciding to use this drug, the risks of using the drug must be weighed against its benefits. This is up to you and your doctor. For this drug, the following should be considered:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read labels or ingredients lists carefully.

Children

Although there is no specific information about the use of penicillamine in children, it is not thought to cause any different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Parents

This drug has been tested in a number of elderly patients aged 65 years or older. In clinical trials, the elderly may have the opportunity to develop skin rashes.

Is Penicillamine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (A = No risk, B = No risk in some studies, C = Possible risk, D = Positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = Unknown)

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Penicillamine?

If you experience any of these serious side effects, get emergency medical help or contact your doctor right away:

• Allergic reaction (shortness of breath; blockage of your throat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, or hives)
• Fever or chills
• sore throat;
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Blood in urine
• Unexplained shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• Stomach ache
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Muscle weakness
• Double vision

Other, less serious side effects are more likely. Continue to use penicillamine and tell your doctor if you experience it

• Itching or rash
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Decreased sense of taste (immunity to taste)
• Mouth sores
• Slow wound healing
• Increased wrinkling of the skin

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What drugs can interfere with the work of the drug Penicillamine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this drug or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Aurothioglucose

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not usually recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or adjust how often you use one or both drugs.

• Auranofin
• Gold Sodium Thiomalate

Using this medication with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or adjust how often you use one or both drugs.

• Iron

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the work of Penicillamine drugs?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Penicillamine?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems.:

• Blood disease caused by penicillamine treatment, or a history thereof
• Kidney disease or history (only for patients with rheumatoid arthritis) - the likelihood of side effects may be increased

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of the drug Penicillamine for adults?

Usual Adult Dose for Wilson's Disease

Initial dose: 0.75-1.5 grams / day which results in 24-hour initial cupriuresis, doses greater than 2 mg should be continued for about three months.

Maintenance dose: The optimal maintenance dose can be determined by measuring urinary copper excretion and determination of copper-free serum. It is rarely necessary for doses to exceed 2 g / day.

The total daily dose should be divided into four equal doses. If four equal doses are not possible, give larger doses at bedtime.

Usual Adult Dose for Cystinuria

Usual adult dose: 2 grams / day with a range of 1-4 grams / day. The total daily dose should be divided into four doses. If four equal doses are not possible, give larger portions at bedtime.

Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Initial dose: Start with a single daily dose of 125 mg or 250 mg, which is then increased at 1-3 month intervals, by 125 mg or 250 mg / day, as patient response and tolerance show.

Maintenance dose: The maintenance dose must be individualized, and may require adjustment during treatment. Many patients respond satisfactorily to doses in the 500-750 mg / day range.

If there is no improvement and there are no signs of potentially serious toxicity after two to three months of treatment at a dose of 500-750 mg / day, increase from 250 mg / day at two to three month intervals can be continued until there is a reduction, the toxicity develops., and / or no recovery was seen after three to four months of treatment with 1000-1500 mg of penicillamine per day.

What is the dose of the drug Penicillamine for children?

Usual Children's Dose for Wilson's Disease

Initial dose: 0.75-1.5 grams / day which results in an initial 24-hour cupriuresis, doses greater than 2 mg should be continued for about three months.

Maintenance dose: The optimal maintenance dose can be determined by measuring urinary copper excretion and determination of copper-free serum. It is rarely necessary for doses to exceed 2 g / day.

The total daily dose should be divided into four equal doses. If four equal doses are not possible, give larger portions at bedtime.

Usual Children's Dose for cystinuria

Child dosage: 30 mg / kg / day. The total daily dose should be divided into four doses. If four equal doses are not possible, give larger portions at bedtime.

Usual Children's Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Initial dose: Start with a single daily dose of 125 mg or 250 mg, which is then increased at 1-3 month intervals, with 125 mg or 250 mg / day, as patient responds and tolerates it.

Maintenance dose: The maintenance dose must be individualized, and may require adjustment during treatment. Many patients respond well to doses in the 500-750 mg / day range.

If there is no improvement and there are no signs of potentially serious toxicity after two to three months, treatment at a dose of 500-750 mg / day, increasing from 250 mg / day at two to three month intervals which can be continued until there is a reduction, progresses. toxicity, and / or no noticeable recovery after three to four months of treatment with 1000-1500 mg of penicillamine per day.

In what dosages and preparations is Penicillamine available?

Capsules, orally 250 mg

Tablet, oral: 250 mg

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.