Penicillamine

Penicillamine Meanings:

• 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)
• (biochemistry, pharmacology) A crystalline, sulfur-containing amino acid produced by the hydrolysis of penicillins, used pharmacologically as a chelating agent to remove heavy metals such as copper from the body, and as an anti-inflammatory agent, especially for rheumatoid arthritis; 2-amino-3-methyl-3-mercaptobutanoic acid, (CH3)2C(SH)CH(NH2)COOH.
• “penicillamine”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
• [slang] Penicillamine, sold under the brand name of Cuprimine among others, is a medication primarily used for the treatment of Wilson's disease. It is also used for people with kidney stones who have high urine cystine levels, rheumatoid arthritis, and various heavy metal poisonings. It is taken by mouth. It helps get rid of excess copper.