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Tiopronin
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiopronin | 100 mg/1 | 2178075 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Cystine Disulfide Reduction [MoA] | MoA | 8 members — no class page |
| N-substituted Glycines [CS] | CS | 4 members — no class page |
| Reducing and Complexing Thiol [EPC] | EPC | 4 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 019569-001 | THIOLA | TABLET | TIOPRONIN | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Patents and exclusivity
Source: Orange Book| Code | Expires | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ODE-267 | June 28, 2026 | 001 |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 6 | Labeling | Approved | June 28, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 1, 2001 | Priority |
| Supplement | 2 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 15, 2000 | Priority |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | August 11, 1988 | Priority |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260825). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Tiopronin tablets are indicated, in combination with high fluid intake, alkali, and diet modification, for the prevention of cystine stone formation in adults and pediatric patients 9 years of age and older with severe homozygous cystinuria, who are not responsive to these measures alone. Additional pediatric use information is approved for Mission Pharmacal Company’s Thiola (tiopronin) tablets. However, due to Mission Pharmacal Company’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Tiopronin is a reducing and complexing thiol indicated, in combination with high fluid intake, alkali, and diet modification, for the prevention of cystine stone formation in adults and pediatric patients 9 years of age and older with severe homozygous cystinuria, who are not responsive to these measures alone. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended initial dosage in adult patients is 800 mg/day. In clinical studies, the average dosage was about 1,000 mg/day. (2.1) The recommended initial dosage in pediatric patients 20 kg and greater is 15 mg/kg/day. Avoid dosages greater than 50 mg/kg per day in pediatric patients. (2.1, 5.1, 8.4) Administer Tiopronin Tablets in 3 divided doses at the same times each day at least one hour before or 2 hours after meals. (2.1) Measure urinary cystine 1 month after initiation of Tiopronin Tablets and every 3 months thereafter. (2.2) 2.1 Recommended Dosage Adults: The recommended initial dosage in adult patients is 800 mg/day. In clinical studies, the average dosage was about 1,000 mg/day. Pediatrics: The recommended initial dosage in pediatric patients weighing 20 kg and greater is 15 mg/kg/day. Avoid dosages greater than 50 mg/kg per day in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. Administer Tiopronin Tablets in 3 divided doses at the same times each day at least one hour before or 2 hours after meals. Consider starting Tiopronin Tablets at a lower dosage in patients with history of severe toxicity to d-penicillamine. 2.2 Monitoring Measure urinary cystine 1 month after starting Tiopronin Tablets and every 3 months thereafter. Adjust Tiopronin Tablets dosage to maintain urinary cystine concentration less than 250 mg/L. Assess for proteinuria before treatment and every 3 to 6 months during treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
2.1 Recommended Dosage Adults: The recommended initial dosage in adult patients is 800 mg/day. In clinical studies, the average dosage was about 1,000 mg/day. Pediatrics: The recommended initial dosage in pediatric patients weighing 20 kg and greater is 15 mg/kg/day. Avoid dosages greater than 50 mg/kg per day in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. Administer Tiopronin Tablets in 3 divided doses at the same times each day at least one hour before or 2 hours after meals. Consider starting Tiopronin Tablets at a lower dosage in patients with history of severe toxicity to d-penicillamine.
2.2 Monitoring Measure urinary cystine 1 month after starting Tiopronin Tablets and every 3 months thereafter. Adjust Tiopronin Tablets dosage to maintain urinary cystine concentration less than 250 mg/L. Assess for proteinuria before treatment and every 3 to 6 months during treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Tablets for oral use: 100 mg tablets: White to off-white round shaped, sugar coated tablets, imprinted with W on one side in black ink. Tablets: 100 mg ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Tiopronin Tablets are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to tiopronin or any other components of Tiopronin Tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Hypersensitivity to tiopronin or any component of Tiopronin Tablets (4)
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Proteinuria, including nephrotic syndrome, and membranous nephropathy, has been reported with tiopronin use. Pediatric patients receiving greater than 50 mg/kg of tiopronin per day may be at increased risk for proteinuria. (2.1, 5.1, 8.4) Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported during tiopronin treatment. (4, 5.2) 5.1 Proteinuria Proteinuria, including nephrotic syndrome, and membranous nephropathy, have been reported with tiopronin use. Pediatric patients receiving greater than 50 mg/kg of tiopronin per day may be at increased risk for proteinuria [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. Monitor patients for the development of proteinuria and discontinue therapy in patients who develop proteinuria [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. 5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions (drug fever, rash, fever, arthralgia and lymphadenopathy) have been reported [see Contraindications (4)].
5.1 Proteinuria Proteinuria, including nephrotic syndrome, and membranous nephropathy, have been reported with tiopronin use. Pediatric patients receiving greater than 50 mg/kg of tiopronin per day may be at increased risk for proteinuria [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. Monitor patients for the development of proteinuria and discontinue therapy in patients who develop proteinuria [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions (drug fever, rash, fever, arthralgia and lymphadenopathy) have been reported [see Contraindications (4)].
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Most common adverse reactions (≥10%) are nausea, diarrhea or soft stools, oral ulcers, rash, fatigue, fever, arthralgia, proteinuria, and emesis. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Teva at 1-888-838-2872 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of the drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of ≥5% in an uncontrolled trial in 66 patients with cystinuria age 9 to 68 years are shown in the table below. Patients in group 1 had previously been treated with d-penicillamine; those in group 2 had not. Of those patients who had stopped taking d-penicillamine due to toxicity (34 out of 49 patients in group 1), 22 were able to continue treatment with tiopronin. In those without prior history of d-penicillamine treatment, 6% developed reactions of sufficient severity to require tiopronin withdrawal. Table 1 presents adverse reactions ≥5% in either treatment group occurring in this trial. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in One or More Patients System Organ Class Adverse Reaction Group 1 Previously treated with d-penicillamine (N=49) Group 2 Naïve to d-penicillamine (N=17) Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders anemia 1 (2%) 1 (6%) Gastrointestinal Disorders nausea 12 (25%) 2 (12%) emesis 5 (10%) – diarrhea/soft stools 9 (18%) 1 (6%) abdominal pain – 1 (6%) oral ulcers 6 (12%) 3 (18%) General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions fever 4 (8%) – weakness 2 (4%) 2 (12%) fatigue 7 (14%) – peripheral (edema) 3 (6%) 1 (6%) chest pain – 1 (6%) Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders anorexia 4 (8%) – Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders arthralgia – 2 (12%) Renal and Urinary Disorders proteinuria 5 (10%) 1 (6%) impotence – 1 (6%) Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders cough – 1 (6%) Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders rash 7 (14%) 2 (12%) ecchymosis 3 (6%) – pruritus 2 (4%) 1 (6%) urticaria 4 (8%) – skin wrinkling 3 (6%) 1 (6%) Taste Disturbance A reduction in taste perception may develop. It is believed to be the result of chelation of trace metals by tiopronin. Hypogeusia is often self-limited. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Adverse reactions have been reported from the literature, as well as during postapproval use of tiopronin. Because the postapproval reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to tiopronin exposure. Adverse reactions reported during the postmarketing use of tiopronin are listed by body system in Table 2 . Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported for Tiopronin Pharmacovigilance by System Organ Class and Preferred Term System Organ Class Preferred Term Cardiac Disorders congestive heart failure Ear and Labyrinth Disorder vertigo Gastrointestinal Disorders abdominal discomfort; abdominal distension; abdominal pain; chapped lips; diarrhea; dry mouth; dyspepsia; eructation; flatulence; gastrointestinal disorder; gastroesophageal reflux disease; nausea; vomiting; jaundice; liver transaminitis General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions asthenia; chest pain; fatigue; malaise; pain; peripheral swelling; pyrexia; swelling Investigations glomerular filtration rate decreased; weight increased Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders decreased appetite; dehydration; hypophagia Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders arthralgia; back pain; flank pain; joint swelling; limb discomfort; musculoskeletal discomfort; myalgia; neck pain; pain in ex …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended. (8.2) Geriatric: Choose dose carefully and monitor renal function in the elderly. (8.5) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. Revised: 05/2021 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available published case report data with tiopronin have not identified a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Renal stones in pregnancy may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental outcomes with oral administration of tiopronin to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis at doses up to 2 times a 2 grams/day human dose (based on mg/m 2 ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Renal stones in pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Data Animal Data No findings of fetal malformations could be attributed to the drug in reproduction studies in mice and rats at doses up to 2 times the highest recommended human dose of 2 grams/day (based on mg/m 2 ). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of tiopronin in either human or animal milk or on the effects of the breastfed child. A published study suggests that tiopronin may suppress milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including nephrotic syndrome, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Tiopronin Tablets. 8.4 Pediatric Use Tiopronin Tablets are indicated in pediatric patients weighing 20 kg or more with severe homozygous cystinuria, in combination with high fluid intake, alkali, and diet modification, for the prevention of cystine stone formation who are not responsive to these measures alone. This indication is based on safety and efficacy data from a trial in patients 9 years to 68 years of age and clinical experience. Proteinuria, including nephrotic syndrome, has been reported in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients receiving greater than 50 mg/kg tiopronin per day may be at greater risk [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Tiopronin Tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients weighing less than 20 kg or in pediatric patients unable to swallow tablets [see Recommended Dosage (2.1)]. 8.5 Geriatric Use This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available published case report data with tiopronin have not identified a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Renal stones in pregnancy may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, there were no adverse developmental outcomes with oral administration of tiopronin to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis at doses up to 2 times a 2 grams/day human dose (based on mg/m 2 ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action The goal of therapy is to reduce urinary cystine concentration below its solubility limit. Tiopronin is an active reducing agent which undergoes thiol-disulfide exchange with cystine to form a mixed disulfide of tiopronin-cysteine. From this reaction, a water-soluble mixed disulfide is formed and the amount of sparingly soluble cystine is reduced.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Tiopronin immediate-release tablets are a reducing and cystine-binding thiol drug (CBTD) for oral use. Tiopronin is N-(2-Mercaptopropionyl) glycine and has the following structure: Adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of ≥5% in an uncontrolled trial in 66 patients with cystinuria age 9 to 68 years are shown in the table below. Patients in group 1 had previously been treated with d-penicillamine; those in group 2 had not. Of those patients who had stopped taking d-penicillamine due to toxicity (34 out of 49 patients in group 1), 22 were able to continue treatment with Tiopronin Tablets. In those without prior history of d-penicillamine treatment, 6% developed reactions of sufficient severity to require Tiopronin Tablets withdrawal. Table 1 presents adverse reactions ≥5% in either treatment group occurring in this trial. Taste Disturbance A reduction in taste perception may develop. It is believed to be the result of chelation of trace metals by tiopronin. Hypogeusia is often self-limited. Tiopronin has the empirical formula C 5 H 9 NO 3 S and a molecular weight of 163.20. In this drug product tiopronin exists as a dl racemic mixture. Tiopronin is a white crystalline powder, which is freely soluble in water. Each Tiopronin Tablet contains 100 mg of tiopronin. The inactive ingredients in Tiopronin Tablets include calcium carbonate, carnauba wax, ethyl cellulose, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate: butyl methacrylate: methyl methacrylate copolymer (Eudragit E 100), hydroxy-propyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone, sugar, talc, titanium dioxide. Image Image
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE There is no information on overdosage with tiopronin.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 100 mg: Each white to off-white round shaped, sugar coated tablet, imprinted with W on one side in black ink contains 100 mg of tiopronin. Tablets are available in bottles of 100 (NDC 0093-7909-01). Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: TIOPRONIN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44523-053-01 | 44523-053 | BioComp Pharma, Inc. | 100 TABLET, SUGAR COATED in 1 BOTTLE (44523-053-01) | September 1, 2026 |
| 0093-7909-00 | 0093-7909 | Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. | 27778 TABLET, SUGAR COATED in 1 BOX (0093-7909-00) | July 2, 2021 |
| 0093-7909-01 | 0093-7909 | Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. | 100 TABLET, SUGAR COATED in 1 BOTTLE (0093-7909-01) | May 17, 2021 |
| 44523-053 | 44523-053 | BioComp Pharma, Inc. | — | September 1, 2026 |
| 0093-7909 | 0093-7909 | Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. | — | May 17, 2021 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.