D-Penamine (D-Penicillamine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is D-Penamine Used For?
D-Penamine contains D-penicillamine, a chelating agent that binds to certain metals in your body to help remove them when necessary. It’s also used to relieve pain and stiffness from rheumatoid arthritis when other treatments haven’t helped.
Primary Uses
D-Penamine treats severe, active rheumatoid arthritis (painful joint disease), lead poisoning, Wilson’s disease (too much copper in the body), and cystinuria (a condition that can cause kidney stones).
How It Works
As a chelating agent, D-Penamine binds to metals like lead, copper, gold, and mercury in your body to help remove them safely. For rheumatoid arthritis, it helps reduce joint pain and stiffness.
How to Take D-Penamine
Your doctor will determine your specific dose and schedule based on your condition and other medications you may be taking. Always follow their instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
For rheumatoid arthritis: Usually starts at no more than 250 mg daily for the first month, then increased by 250 mg monthly until reaching 1500 mg daily. For Wilson’s disease: 1500-2000 mg daily. For cystinuria: 750-1000 mg daily in divided doses. For lead poisoning: 250-1000 mg daily in divided doses. Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals) and at least 1 hour apart from other medicines, food, or milk. Swallow tablets whole with water.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Take D-Penamine at least one hour apart from other medicines.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Impaired taste
- Red or itchy rash with fever and joint pain
- Hair loss
- Ringing in ears
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
Important Warnings
D-Penamine has important safety considerations and isn’t suitable for everyone. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications.
Who Should Not Take D-Penamine
Don’t take D-Penamine if you’re allergic to D-penicillamine or any ingredients, if you’re receiving gold therapy or taking anti-malarial medicines, or if the medication has expired or shows signs of tampering.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or allergies to other medicines (including penicillin), foods, dyes, or preservatives. Your doctor may need to monitor you more closely with these conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
D-Penamine is not recommended during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you.
Drug Interactions
Some medications can interfere with D-Penamine or affect how well it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Isoniazid (tuberculosis medicine)
- Gold therapy medications
- Anti-malarial medicines
Alcohol & Driving
The source material doesn’t provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving restrictions while taking D-Penamine.
Storage
Keep tablets in their original bottle, tightly closed, in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, on windowsills, or in cars. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much D-Penamine, seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine. Call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
For rheumatoid arthritis, D-Penamine is started at a low dose and gradually increased over months. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust the dose as needed.
No, D-Penamine must be taken on an empty stomach – either 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals, and at least 1 hour apart from other medicines, food, or milk.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
No, don’t stop taking D-Penamine or change the dose without checking with your doctor first, even if you’re feeling better.
Your doctor may do blood, liver, and kidney tests from time to time to make sure the medicine is working properly and to prevent unwanted side effects.
Yes, always tell any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist that you’re taking D-Penamine, especially before surgery or blood tests, as it may affect test results.
Tell your doctor you’re taking D-Penamine, especially for vascular surgery. Treatment should be discontinued at least six weeks before surgery if possible.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.