ABSTRACT

Penicillamine is the most characteristic degradation product of the penicillin antibiotics, but it has no antibacterial activity. Its pharmaceutical form is D-penicillamine, as L-penicillamine is toxic (it inhibits the action of pyridoxine). Penicillamine is a copper-chelating agent used in the treatment of Wilson’s disease. It is also used to reduce cystine excretion in cystinuria. This chapter provides monographs of penicillamine which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.