Cysteamine Bitartrate
Cysteamine Bitartrate is a cystine-depleting agent used to treat nephropathic cystinosis, a rare genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of cystine crystals in cells throughout the body. By reducing cystine levels, it helps prevent organ damage, particularly to the kidneys and eyes, and is typically initiated in infants and children diagnosed with this condition.
Cysteamine Bitartrate treats the rare genetic disorder nephropathic cystinosis by reducing harmful cystine buildup in cells.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 81990
- Generic
- Cysteamine Bitartrate
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Cysteamine Bitartrate is indicated for the treatment of nephropathic cystinosis, a rare lysosomal storage disorder where cystine accumulates and causes progressive damage to kidneys, eyes, thyroid, muscles, and the central nervous system.
This medication penetrates cells and converts cystine into a mixed disulfide compound that can be transported out of lysosomes, thereby reducing intracellular cystine accumulation and preventing cellular damage.
Dosing must be individualized and titrated carefully to tolerance; common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, bad breath/body odor, and drowsiness. Patients should be monitored regularly for kidney function and blood counts. Available in both immediate-release and delayed-release formulations.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy