The metabolism of 35S-D-penicillamine in man

1. The excretion and metabolism of 35S-D-penicillamine (200 mg orally) was studied in four healthy male volunteers. 2. The major route of excretion was the urine with 82% of the administered dose being voided over three days (73% during the first 24 h); the remainder was excreted in the faeces. 3. Metabolism occurred via the pathways of S-methylation, N-acetylation and disulphide formation. Extensive degradation of the molecule was observed with the production of large amounts of inorganic sulphate.