penicillamine

Penicillamine is a small molecule chelating agent primarily used to treat Wilson's disease (an inherited disorder causing copper accumulation), cystinuria (a condition leading to kidney and bladder stones), and severe rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to other treatments. It works by binding heavy metals such as copper, lead, mercury, and iron in the body to form stable complexes that are excreted via the kidneys. In cystinuria, it forms a soluble disulfide with cystine, reducing stone formation. For rheumatoid arthritis, its mechanism is not fully understood but involves immunosuppressive effects including inhibition of macrophages and T-cell activity as well as reduction of IgM rheumatoid factor. Penicillamine is administered orally in tablet or capsule form[1][2][3][5][6][7].

Brand names

CuprimineDepen

Other names

beta,beta-dimethylcysteineD-penicillamine