Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes before meals or 2 hours after meals).

You should drink 2 full glasses (8 ounces each) of water with each meal and at bedtime. You should also drink another 2 full glasses during the night.

It is important that you follow any special instructions from your doctor, such as following a low-methionine diet. Methionine is found in animal proteins such as milk, eggs, cheese, and fish. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Take this medicine regularly as directed. Do not stop taking it without first checking with your doctor , since stopping the medicine and then restarting it may increase the chance of side effects.

Dosing—The dose of tiopronin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of tiopronin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • To prevent kidney stones:
    • Adults—To start, 800 milligrams (mg) a day, divided into three doses. Your doctor may change your dose if needed.
    • Children up to 9 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children 9 years and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose to start is 15 mg per kilogram (kg) (6.8 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into three doses. Your doctor may change your dose if needed.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.