Penicillamine Capsule Breastfeeding

Most health expert recommend six month of exclusive breastfeeding but statics suggest that numbers are not good, almost 95% mothers start breastfeeding but this number drops to 40% in first three month and further it drops to 15% till fifth month. Sometime its due to need of medication usage. Because of these statics its important to provide good information on safety of drugs in breastfeeding so that it can be improved when possible. In this FAQ sheet we will discuss about exposure to Penicillamine Capsule while breastfeeding. We will also discuss about common side effects and warnings associated with Penicillamine Capsule.

Penicillamine is a chelating agent used in the treatment of Wilson's disease. It is also used to reduce cystine excretion in cystinuria and to treat patients with severe, active rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to conventional therapy (see INDICATIONS). It is 3-mercapto-D-valine. It is a white or practically white, crystalline powder, freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, and insoluble in ether, acetone, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride. Although its configuration is D, it is levorotatory as usually measured: [α] 25°= -62.5° ± 2° (c = 1, 1N NaOH), D calculated on a dried basis. The empirical formula is C5H11NO2S, giving it a molecular weight of 149.21. The structural formula is: It reacts readily with formaldehyde or acetone to form a thiazolidine-carboxylic acid. Penicillamine capsules, USP, for oral administration contain 250 mg of penicillamine. Each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate and povidone. The capsule shells contain D&C Yellow No. 10, titanium dioxide, gelatin, shellac, propylene glycol, potassium hydroxide and black iron oxide. structure

Is Penicillamine Capsule usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Penicillamine Capsule low risk for breastfeeding
Penicillamine is the one and only active ingredient present in Penicillamine Capsule. Penicillamine in itself is a low risk drug for lactation so it is easy to understand that Penicillamine Capsule also comes in category of Low Risk item while breastfeeding. Below is the summary of Penicillamine in breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
Nursing Mothers See CONTRAINDICATIONS.

Penicillamine Capsule Breastfeeding Analsys


Penicillamine while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 52-66-4

A chelating agent that helps remove heavy metals such as copper, lead and mercury from the body.Used to treat Wilson's disease, cystinuria, severe rheumatoid arthritis and chronic active hepatitis. It is excreted in breast milk in clinically insignificant amounts (undetectable levels: Izumi 2012) and no problems have been observed in infants whose mothers have taken it (Sternlieb 2000, Messner 1998, Gregory 1983). Oral bioavailability decreases by half in the presence of food, so its passing to the infant’s plasma via ingested breast milk would be very difficult Copper and zinc levels in breast milk of mothers treated with penicillamine, trientine or zinc are normal according to more recent studies (Izumi 2012) and lower than normal according to older ones (Bunke 1989). Cases of breast hyperplasia and hyperprolactinemia have been reported in patients treated with penicillamine (Craig 1988, Kahl 1985, Thew 1980).

Penicillamine Capsule Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Penicillamine while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 52-67-5

Limited information indicates that penicillamine is not detectable in breastmilk. Copper and zinc levels in breastmilk are reduced in mothers receiving penicillamine.[1][2][3][4][5] Penicillamine has been used with apparent safety during nursing of 3 infants. In infants who breastfeed infrequently, taking the drug right after nursing and waiting 4 to 6 hours before nursing again should minimize the amount of penicillamine in breastmilk. Copper and zinc levels in breastmilk are reduced in patients taking penicillamine. The implications for infants of this effect are not known.


What should I do if already breastfed my kid after using Penicillamine Capsule?

Penicillamine Capsule is in the category of low risk, if you have already used it then its not a big deal if health and behavior of baby is good. However your health care provider shall be aware of the fact that you have used Penicillamine Capsule so you should inform him based on your convenience.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Penicillamine Capsule, is it safe?

Penicillamine Capsule comes in category of low risk and if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding it should be ok to use without much concerns.


If I am using Penicillamine Capsule, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much monitoring required while using Penicillamine Capsule


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Penicillamine Capsule in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Drug Brands with same Active ingredients

Depen | Penicillamine Tablet