cysteamine bitartrate, an anticysteine that reacts with cystine in the cell lysosomes to convert it to cysteine and a mixed disulfide compound, which can then exit the lysosome in patients with a metabolic defect causing cystinosis. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of an inherited amino acid metabolic disease in which cysteine accumulates in the cells and can lead to the formation of crystals that can damage various organs, especially the kidneys (nephropathic cystinosis). ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It should not be given to patients with allergy to cysteamine or penicillamine, depression, drowsiness, lethargy, neurological disorders, or diseases of the liver or digestive tract. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: The side effects most often reported include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, appetite loss, nausea, headaches, convulsions, and seizures.
