Penicillamine
Also known as: Depen, Cuprimine, Pendramine
Penicillamine is used to help your pet's body eliminate toxic levels of metals (like copper or lead) or to dissolve certain types of bladder stones. * **Administration**: This drug should preferably be given on an **empty stomach**, at least 30 minutes before feeding, to ensure it is absorbed properly. * **Managing Side Effects**: If your pet develops vomiting or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian. They may suggest: 1. Dividing the daily dose into smaller, more frequent doses. 2. Temporarily reducing the dose and gradually increasing it. 3. Giving the medication with a small amount of food (e.g., cheese or bread) to settle the stomach, though this may slightly reduce absorption. * **Do not give** this medication at the same time as vitamin/mineral supplements (especially those containing zinc or iron) or antacids, as they will bind to the drug and stop it from working.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Lead poisoning
- Copper toxicity
- Copper toxicity
- Lead or mercury toxicity
- Adjunctive treatment of lead poisoning
- Lead or mercury toxicity
- Copper toxicity
- Copper toxicity
- Lead or mercury toxicity
- Copper-associated hepatopathy
- Copper-associated hepatopathy
- Copper-associated hepatopathy
- Copper-associated hepatopathy
- Cystine urolithiasis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Dietary mineral deficiencies (zinc, iron, copper, calcium) with long-term use
- Fever (rare)
- Lymphadenopathy (rare)
- Skin hypersensitivity reactions (rare)
- Immune-complex glomerulonephropathy (rare)
- Teratogenicity
- Pyrexia
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Leucopenia (human data)
- Thrombocytopenia (human data)
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with a history of penicillamine-related blood dyscrasias
- Presence of lead in the gastrointestinal tract (can enhance absorption)
- Pregnancy (unless benefits outweigh teratogenic risks)
- Moderate to marked renal impairment
- History of penicillamine-related blood dyscrasias
- Penicillamine is contraindicated in patients with a history of penicillamine-related blood dyscrasias. **Warning**: Penicillamine potentially can cause enhanced absorption of lead from the gastrointestinal tract. If lead is still present in the gut (e.g., visible on radiographs), it should NOT be administered until the GI tract is cleared. Use with caution in pregnant animals due to known teratogenic potential (FDA Category D).
Drug interactions
- 4-Aminoquinoline drugs (e.g., chloroquine, quinacrine): Concomitant administration may increase the risks for severe dermatologic adverse effects.
- Oral Cations (Zinc, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium): May decrease the effectiveness of penicillamine if given orally together due to chelation in the gut.
- Food and Antacids: The amount of penicillamine absorbed from the GI tract may be reduced by concurrent administration.
- Gold Compounds: May increase the risk of hematologic and/or renal adverse reactions.
- Immunosuppressant drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide, azathioprine): May increase the risk of hematologic and/or renal adverse reactions.
- Phenylbutazone: May increase the risk of hematologic and/or renal adverse reactions.
- Antacids: Decreased gastrointestinal absorption of penicillamine
- Food: Decreased gastrointestinal absorption of penicillamine
- Iron salts: Decreased gastrointestinal absorption of penicillamine
- Zinc salts: Decreased gastrointestinal absorption of penicillamine
Frequently asked questions
What is Penicillamine used for in pets?
Penicillamine is used to help your pet's body eliminate toxic levels of metals (like copper or lead) or to dissolve certain types of bladder stones. * **Administration**: This drug should preferably be given on an **empty stomach**, at least 30 minutes before feeding, to ensure it is absorbed properly. * **Managing Side Effects**: If your pet develops vomiting or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian. They may suggest: 1. Dividing the daily dose into smaller, more frequent doses. 2. Temporarily reducing the dose and gradually increasing it. 3. Giving the medication with a small amount of food (e.g., cheese or bread) to settle the stomach, though this may slightly reduce absorption. * **Do not give** this medication at the same time as vitamin/mineral supplements (especially those containing zinc or iron) or antacids, as they will bind to the drug and stop it from working.
Is Penicillamine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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