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Cystavision: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Cystavision - General Information

A radiation-protective agent that oxidizes in air to form cystamine. It can be given intravenously or orally to treat radiation sickness. The bitartrate has been used for the oral treatment of nephropathic cystinosis. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Cystavision

People born without the ability to metabolize the amino acid cystine suffer from cystinosis, a rare inherited disorder characterized by the deposition and accumulation of cystine crystals throughout the body. These crystals cause considerable damage, particularly in the kidney. Kidney failure can occur by the age of 10 in untreated patients. Cystavision prevents the accumulation of cystine crystals and is prescribed to prevent further kidney damage. Cystavision helps to convert cystine into less harmful chemical forms that can be removed from cells.

 

Cystavision for patients

Proper Use of This Medicine:
If you vomit your dose of cysteamine within 20 minutes of taking it, take the dose again. However, if you vomit the dose a second time, do not repeat the dose but wait and take your next dose as scheduled. Also, if vomiting occurs more than 20 minutes after you take your dose, do not repeat the dose.

 

Cystavision Interactions

No drug interactions have been reported.

 

Cystavision Contraindications

The dose of cysteamine may need to be adjusted for patients with a medical history of seizures, blood problems, or any form of kidney disease.

 

Additional information about Cystavision

Cystavision Indication: Given intravenously or orally to treat radiation sickness. The bitartrate has been used for the oral treatment of nephropathic cystinosis. Mechanism Of Action: The free thiol cysteamine depletes cystinotic leukocytes and other cells of cystine, whose accumulation is considered the cause of organ damage in cystinosis. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Cysteamine Synonyms: (2-Mercaptoethyl)amine; 2-Amino-1-ethanethiol; 2-Aminoethanethiol; 2-Aminoethyl mercaptan; 2-Mercaptoethanamine; Aminoethyl mercaptan; beta-Aminoethanethiol; beta-MEA; beta-Mercaptoethylamine; Cisteamina; Cysteamide; Cysteamin; Cysteamine bitartate; Cysteinamine; Decarboxycysteine; Ethanethiolamine; MEA; Mercaptamin; Mercamine; Thioethanolamine; Cysteamine hydrochloride Drug Category: Nephropathic cystinosis therapy; Radiation-Protective Agents Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved; Investigational Other Brand Names containing Cysteamine: Becaptan; Lambraten; Lambratene; Mecramine; Mercamin; Merkamin; Riacon; Cystavision; Absorption: Not Available Toxicity (Overdose): Symptoms of overdose may include convulsions (seizures), increased thirst and unusual tiredness or weakness. Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: Not Available Dosage Forms of Cystavision: Not Available Chemical IUPAC Name: 2-aminoethanethiol Chemical Formula: C2H7NS Cysteamine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cysteamine Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals