TIOPRONIN

Brand & Generic Names

Capen	Thiola
Captimer	Thiosol
Epatiol	Tioglis
Mucolysin	Vincol
Sutilan

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antiurolithic

Uses

Prevents the formation of kidney stones when there is too much cystine in the urine.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablets--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food. Instructions to take on empty stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

When to take:
3 times daily (once approximately every 8 hours).

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Removes high levels of cystine from the body.

Time lapse before drug works:
Works immediately.

Don't take with:
Medicines that are known to cause kidney damage or depress bone marrow.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected. If massive overdose is suspected, follow instructions below.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section

Common:

• Skin rash, itching skin, mouth sores, mouth ulcers.
• Abdominal pain, gaseousness, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

Infrequent:

• Cloudy urine, chills, breathing difficulty, joint pain.
• Impaired smell or taste.

Rare:

None expected.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to tiopronin or penicillamine.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

If you have had any of the following in the past:
• Agranulocytosis*
• Aplastic anemia*
• Thrombocytopenia*
• Impaired kidney function

Over age 60:
May require dosage adjustment if kidney function is impaired due to normal aging.

Pregnancy:
No studies reported, but similar drugs cause harmful effects on the unborn child. Decide with your doctor if drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Safety not established. Consult doctor.

Prolonged use:
No special problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:

• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• May affect results of some medical tests.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Bone marrow depressants*	May increase possibility of toxic
	effects of tiopronin.
Medications toxic to	May increase possibility of toxic
kidneys (nephrotoxins)*	effects of tiopronin.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Water	Enhances effects of tiopronin.
	Drink 8 to 10 glasses daily.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.