What is "penicillamine"

Penicillamine \Pen`i*cil"lam*ine\, n. (Chem., Med.) a substance ( C5H11NO2S) which is a degradation product of the penicillins. Chemically it is 3-mercapto-D-valine. It has chelating properties and is used in medicine as an antirheumatic and to chelate copper in cases of hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease).

n. (context chemistry English) A breakdown product of penicillin used as a chelating drug to treat poisoning by heavy metals etc.

n. a drug (trade name Cuprimine) used to treat heavy metal poisoning and Wilson's disease and severe arthritis [syn: Cuprimine]

Penicillamine, sold under the trade names of Cuprimine, Cuprenyl and Depen, is a medication of the chelator class. It is D-penicillamine, as L-penicillamine is toxic (it inhibits the action of pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B). It is an α- amino acid metabolite of penicillin, although it has no antibiotic properties.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medication needed in a basic health system.