ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/penicillamine
US brand names:Cuprimine, Depen, D-Penicillamine
Penicillamine is dosed at 10–15 mg/kg PO q12h in dogs, per Webster CRL, Center SA, Cullen JM, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(3):1173-1200. doi:10.1111/jvim.15467 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1018 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Chelates copper, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals, forming soluble complexes excreted by the kidneys. Also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
Give on empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). GI upset common — start low and increase gradually. Monitor CBC and urinalysis (proteinuria). Primary use: copper-associated hepatopathy (Bedlington Terriers, others).
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 10–15 mg/kg | q12h | Strong | Webster CRL, Center SA, Cullen JM, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(3):1173-1200. doi:10.1111/jvim.15467 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1018 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 10–15 mg/kg | q12h | Moderate | Webster CRL, Center SA, Cullen JM, et al. ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(3):1173-1200. doi:10.1111/jvim.15467 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1018 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.