Cuprous Oxide

Cuprous Oxide Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Cuprous Oxide, or copper (II) oxide, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CuO. Cuprous Oxide is used as a precursor in many copper-containing products such as wood preservatives and ceramics. Cuprous Oxide may be found in over-the-counter vitamin-mineral supplements as a source of Copper. The mean daily dietary intake of copper in adults ranges between 0.9 and 2.2 mg . Common routes of cupric oxide exposure include ingestion, dermal exposure and inhalation. Copper(II) oxide nanoparticles (NPCuO) have industrial applications as antimicrobial agents in textiles and paints, and catalysts in organic synthesis . They may also be produced from electronic wastes. Cuprous Oxide poses potential health and environmental concern due to toxic and mutagenic particles generating reactive oxygen species .

For pharmacodynamic information of copper, refer to drug entry for Copper. Copper(II) oxide nanoparticles are known to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cytotoxicity . In a comparative toxicity assay, nanoparticles caused significant mitochondrial depolarization leading to DNA damage . In the human skin organ culture study, topical application of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles induced inflammatory cytokine secretion and necrosis in vitro, indicating that the nanoparticles may adhere to the skin surface and react with the local acidic environment .

Cuprous Oxide
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Cuprous Oxide
Generic	Cupric oxide
Cupric oxide Other Names	Cuprous Oxide, Cuprum oxydatum nigrum
Type
Formula	CuO
Weight	Average: 79.545 Monoisotopic: 78.924513
Protein binding	Once dissociated, copper is known to bind to serum albumin, ceruloplasmin, and other low-molecular weight complexes .
Groups	Approved
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Cuprous Oxide is an ingredient found in a variety of supplements and vitamins.

No FDA- or EMA-approved therapeutic indications.

How Cuprous Oxide works

For pharmacodynamic information of copper, refer to drug entry for Copper. Copper(II) oxide nanoparticles generate DNA-damaging reactive oxygen species at the nanoparticle surface or in solution by copper dissolved from the nanoparticle surface via Fenton-like reactions . In presence of H2O2, ascorbate, or both, copper (II) oxide generates hydroxyl radical, ascorbyl radical, and superoxide anion that interact with DNA, proteins, and lipids cause oxidative damage and cell death .

Toxicity

Copper toxicity involves gastrointestinal irritation and liver and kidney toxicity. Reported No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Levels (NOAELs) of copper are in the range of 23-104 mg/kg bw/day, but kidney effects have been shown in male rats at levels as low as 10 mg/kg bw/day . Severe intoxication is associated with serum copper levels greater than 500 mcg/dL. The estimated lethal dose in an untreated adult is 10 to 20 g copper .

Food Interaction

No interactions found.

Volume of Distribution

Following exposure to cupric oxide aerosols containing 50-80 mg/m^3 in rats, particles were found in plasma 6 hours post-exposure and copper oxide was also observed in the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney .

Elimination Route

Following oral administration, copper is mainly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum. All other intakes of copper (inhalation and dermal) are insignificant in comparison to the oral route. The bioavailability of copper from cupric oxide depends on the solubilization of the oxide in the gastrointestinal tract . According to studies on cattle and swine, copper oxide displays low absorption rate and high excretion rate . In rats exposed to aerosols containing 50-80 mg/m^3, pulmonary uptake of copper oxide occurred .