Aminothiol — cystine-depleting
Mercaptamine (cysteamine)
Brand names: Cystagon, Cystadrops, Procysbi
Adult dose
Dose: Per BNF/SmPC; titrated to leucocyte cystine level
Route: PO/Topical (eye)
Frequency: QDS or BD MR
Clinical pearls
- Nephropathic cystinosis; specialist metabolic
- Eye drops for corneal cystine deposits
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to penicillamine
Side effects
- GI upset
- Halitosis (sulphurous body odour)
- Skin lesions / EDS-like syndrome (rare)
- Headache
Interactions
- Bicarbonate-containing antacids (reduced absorption)
Monitoring
- Leucocyte cystine
- Renal function
- Skeletal symptoms
Reference: BNF; SmPC; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/mercaptamine/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.