Penicillamine
Penicillamine is a chelating agent used primarily to treat Wilson's disease, cystinuria, and rheumatoid arthritis. It works by binding to heavy metals like copper and cysteine, forming soluble compounds that can be excreted through urine. This medication requires careful monitoring due to potential serious side effects affecting the kidneys, liver, and bone marrow.
Penicillamine is a chelating agent used to treat Wilson's disease, cystinuria, and rheumatoid arthritis by binding and removing excess metals from the body.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M01CC01
- RxNorm
- 7975
- Generic
- Penicillamine
- Class
- atc-m01
- Brands
- Cuprimine, Depen, Aagylur
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule
- 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.
Penicillamine is used to treat Wilson's disease (copper accumulation), cystinuria (preventing cysteine kidney stones), and severe rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used in certain heavy metal poisoning cases.
As a chelating agent, penicillamine binds to excess copper, cysteine, and other metals in the body, forming water-soluble compounds that are then eliminated through the kidneys in the urine.
Common side effects include nausea, loss of taste, and skin reactions. Serious risks include kidney problems, bone marrow suppression, and liver toxicity. Regular blood and urine monitoring is required. Should not be used by pregnant women due to birth defect risks. Must be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after meals.
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