D-PENICILLAMINE

It is dimethyl cysteine as a degradation product of penicillin. It is found to have strong copper chelating property. When given to patients with heavy metal toxicity, the excretion of metal is enhanced.

Indications

Cystinuria, Wilson's disease.

Dosage

0.5-1g daily in divided doses 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals to avoid chelation of dietary metals.

Contra-Indications

Lupus erythematosus. Thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis. Pregnancy, lactation.

Special Precautions

Renal impairment,penicillin sensitivity.Monitor blood, liver & renal functions.

Side Effects

Nausea, anorexia, fever, rash, loss of taste, proteinuria, haematuria, blood dyscrasias, nephrotic syndrome, SLE, myasthenia gravis.

Drug Interactions

Zinc ,Gold or Iron salts. Antimalarial or cytotoxic drugs, phenylbutazone, antacids.