Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of D-penicillamine

The absolute and the relative bioavailability of D-penicillamine, available from different dosage forms and products, was studied in 10 healthy volunteers. Plasma levels and urine excretion of D-penicillamine were determined up to 8 h after administration by high performance liquid chromatography after intravenous administration of 250 mg and after oral administration of 250 mg (2 products) and 150 mg (1 product) D-penicillamine. The absolute bioavailability on oral administration was 50-70%. No statistical difference was found between the relative bioavailabilities of the different dosage forms tested.