Penicillamine Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination Profile

Abdulrahman Al-Majed, Fathallah Belal, and Saeed Julkhuf [Pg.149]

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2457 Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia [Pg.149]

The (n)-enantiomer of penicillamine is used clinically in man either as the hydrochloride or as the free amino acid [1], although the (L)-enantiomer also forms chelation complexes. Penicillamine is an effective chelator of copper, mercury, zinc, and lead, and other heavy metals to form stable, soluble complexes that are readily excreted in the urine [2,3]. [Pg.149]

Penicillamine has also been used in cystinuria and for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Discovery of its chelating properties led to its use in patients with Wilson s disease (hepatolenticular degeneration) and heavy-metal intoxications. Penicillamine is administered by mouth and should be taken on an empty stomach [4], [Pg.149]

Penicillamine is well absorbed (40-70%) from the gastro-intestinal tract and, therefore, has a decided advantage over many chelating agents. Food, antacids, and iron reduce its absorption, so it should be taken on an empty stomach. Preferably, the [Pg.149]

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