| Indication |
Given intravenously or orally to treat radiation sickness. The
bitartrate has been used for the oral treatment of nephropathic
cystinosis and cystinurea. |
| Pharmacodynamics |
People born without the ability to metabolize the amino acid
cystine suffer from cystinosis, a rare inherited disorder characterized
by the deposition and accumulation of cystine crystals throughout the
body. These crystals cause considerable damage, particularly in the
kidney. Kidney failure can occur by the age of 10 in untreated patients.
Cysteamine prevents the accumulation of cystine crystals and is
prescribed to prevent further kidney damage. Cysteamine helps to convert
cystine into less harmful chemical forms that can be removed from
cells. |
| Mechanism of action |
The free thiol cysteamine depletes cystinotic leukocytes and other
cells of cystine, whose accumulation is considered the cause of organ
damage in cystinosis. Cysteamine cleaves the disulfide bond with cystine
to produce molecules that can escape the metabolic defect in cystinosis
and cystinuria. |
| Absorption |
Not Available |
| Volume of distribution |
|
| Protein binding |
Not Available |
| Metabolism |
Not Available |
| Route of elimination |
Not Available |
| Half life |
Not Available |
| Clearance |
- apparent plasma cl=1.2 L/min
|
| Toxicity |
Symptoms of overdose may include convulsions (seizures), increased thirst and unusual tiredness or weakness. |
