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Mercaptamine

  • Mercaptamine should be started by a specialist.
  • Mercaptamine should not be taken if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman.
  • Mercaptamine should not be taken if you have ever had an allergy to penicillamine.
  • You will have regular blood tests while on this medicine.

About mercaptamine

Type of medicine Drug used in metabolic disorders
Used for Nephropathic cystinosis (an inherited condition causing tissue and organ damage)
Also called Cystagon
Cysteamine
Available as Capsules

Mercaptamine works by reducing the build-up of an amino acid called cystine in the body. Cystine builds up in organs in the body causing damage to these organs.

Before taking mercaptamine

Before taking mercaptamine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have had an allergy to the drug penicillamine.

How to take mercaptamine

  • Generally, you will start on a low dose.
  • This will be increased over 4 to 6 weeks.
  • For children under 6 years old, capsules can be opened and contents sprinkled on food; avoid adding to acidic drinks such as orange juice.
  • Treatment will normally be started by a hospital consultant.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor.
  • You will have regular blood tests to make sure the dose you are taking is correct.

Can mercaptamine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Drink plenty of liquid.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
Breath/body odour Use of mints/deodorants may help in the short term
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.

How to store mercaptamine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1076		 DocRef:
dils3797		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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