Penicillamine for kidney stones

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
penicillamine	Cuprimine, Depen

How It Works

Penicillamine helps keep cystine dissolved in the urine, which makes cystine kidney stones less likely to form.

Why It Is Used

Penicillamine may be used to prevent kidney stones in people with high levels of cystine in their urine.

How Well It Works

Penicillamine is effective in preventing the formation of cystine kidney stones.¹

Side Effects

Side effects of penicillamine may include:

• Loss of taste or smell.
• Skin rash.
• Kidney damage.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Decreased blood cell production in the bone marrow.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Zinc supplements may reduce or prevent some side effects.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Penicillamine has more side effects than tiopronin, which is also used for cystine kidney stones.

People usually try other treatments to prevent the formation of kidney stones before using this medicine.

Some people may find it difficult to drink enough fluids while taking this medicine. To reduce the side effects of this medicine, you need to drink enough fluids to produce at least 2 qt (1.9 L) of urine each day.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: May 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.