ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/penicillamine
US brand names:Cuprimine, Depen, D-Penicillamine
Penicillamine is dosed at 50–55 mg/kg PO q24h x 1-6 wk in african grey parrots, per 206. De Francisco N, Ruiz Troya JD, Agüera EI. Lead and lead toxicity in domestic and free living birds. Avian Pathol. 2003;32:3-13. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.469 doi:10.1080/0307945021000070660 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.9 (Agents Used in the Treatment of Toxicologic Conditions of Birds). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. 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 African Grey Parrot drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Lovebird drugsAll Umbrella Cockatoo 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 6 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). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.991, Penicillamine monograph spanning p.990-991; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 10–15 mg/kg | q12h | Moderate |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| 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). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.991, Penicillamine monograph spanning p.990-991; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |