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cupric chloride

Generic Copper

Used for Nutritional Deficiency

Copper (cupric chloride) is a nutritional supplement that provides copper to adults and children who can't get this essential mineral from food or drink. It's typically added to a parenteral nutrition bag that's infused through the veins. There aren't known side effects when it's used at normal doses, but too much copper can cause fatigue and irritability.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on October 30, 2023

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Images References Prices Medicare

What is Copper (cupric chloride)?

What is Copper (cupric chloride) used for?

Copper supplementation for people who need to get nutrition through the veins

How Copper (cupric chloride) works

Copper (cupric chloride) is a nutritional supplement that's used to raise copper levels in the body. Copper is an important mineral that helps your body make energy, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It also helps you maintain a healthy nervous and immune system.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCopper

Drug ClassNutritional supplement

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of Copper (cupric chloride)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Risks and Warnings.

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Too much copper: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low muscle tone (floppy muscles), sensitivity to light, swelling in arms or legs, changes in behavior, fatigue, depression, irritability, trouble focusing, confusion
Too much aluminum: weakness, tremor, speech problems, bone pain, seizures

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Pros and cons of Copper (cupric chloride)

Pros

Good option for people who can't get copper from food or drink

No known side effects when it's taken at the recommended dose

Cons

Only given to people who are getting IV nutrition

Nutrition solution must be injected into the veins

Contains aluminum, which can be dangerous for people with kidney problems or babies who were born too early (premature)

Pharmacist tips for Copper (cupric chloride)

Before you get Copper (cupric chloride), let your provider know if you have Wilson's disease, a genetic problem that causes too much copper because your body can't remove extra copper. Copper (cupric chloride) isn't recommended for people with Wilson's disease because of the risk of copper overdose.

Your provider will order your parenteral nutrition bags that have Copper (cupric chloride) at a dose that's safe for you. Talk to your provider if you have questions about what dose of Copper (cupric chloride) you should get.

Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and get any blood tests done on time. This makes sure your health is properly monitored while you get Copper (cupric chloride) through your IV nutrition.

Don't take any other products containing copper unless your provider specifically said it's okay. Doing so can cause your copper levels to be too high.

Frequently asked questions about Copper (cupric chloride)

Who should use Copper (cupric chloride)?

Copper (cupric chloride) is used only in people who are getting parenteral nutrition (nutrition given through the veins). These people typically can't get copper from their diet since they can't eat or absorb nutrients through the gut. Pharmacies that make parenteral nutrition bags add Copper (cupric chloride) to the nutrition mixture. Copper (cupric chloride) is never given by itself as an injection directly into your veins. Your provider will measure the levels of the Copper (cupric chloride) in your blood and will decide whether this supplementation is right for you.

Can I use other copper-containing supplements with Copper (cupric chloride)?

No, don't use other supplements containing copper with Copper (cupric chloride) unless your provider told you it's safe to do so. Using other copper supplements with Copper (cupric chloride) raises your risk for taking too much copper. Having too much copper in the body can be harmful (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, cramps). Your provider will follow up with you and adjust the Copper (cupric chloride) dose based on your copper levels.

Can I use Copper (cupric chloride) if I have liver problems?

Yes, you can still use Copper (cupric chloride), but you might need to have your dose adjusted or your blood levels checked more often. This is because people with liver problems are at risk for having high copper levels from IV nutrition that has Copper (cupric chloride). Make sure to let your provider know if you have liver problems.

Does "cupric" mean "copper"?

Yes, cupric is one of many different forms of copper. There isn't any evidence to suggest that one form of copper is better than other.

Can I use Copper (cupric chloride) if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Copper (cupric chloride) hasn't been studied in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding so it's not known whether it's safe for the mother and baby in these situations. Keep in mind that having low blood levels of copper while you're expecting can lead to pregnancy complications or harm to your baby. If you're breastfeeding, pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your provider about the risks and benefits of having Copper (cupric chloride) in your nutrition mixture.

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What are the risks and warnings for Copper (cupric chloride)?

Copper (cupric chloride) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Toxicity from too much copper

Risk factors: Liver problems | Wilson's disease

Too much copper in the body can lead to serious problems. In very severe cases, this can lead to kidney failure, heart failure, and even death. Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of a copper overdose. This could look like changes in behavior, fatigue, depression, irritability, trouble focusing, or confusion. Too much copper can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low muscle tone (floppy muscles), sensitivity to light, or swelling in the arms or legs. It's possible that you might need treatment with an antidote (reversal agent) like penicillamine to lower your copper levels.

As you get IV nutrition, your healthcare team will measure your copper levels and adjust your Copper (cupric chloride) dose as needed to check for your risk for copper toxicity. Make sure to not take any other copper-containing supplements unless your provider specifically said it's safe to do so. Also be sure your providers know if you have any liver problems or Wilson's disease because you're at higher risk of having copper toxicity.

Toxicity from too much aluminum

Risk factors: Kidney problems | Babies who were born too early (premature)

Copper (cupric chloride) contains aluminum. Getting too much Copper (cupric chloride) can cause high blood aluminum levels. This can lead to aluminum toxicity, which can include nervous system or bone problems. Your provider might order blood tests to check your aluminum levels while you're taking Copper (cupric chloride), especially if you have kidney problems since you're at higher risk. Contact your provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of aluminum poisoning (e.g., weakness, speech problems, bone pain, seizures).

Copper (cupric chloride) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Copper (cupric chloride)

Copper (cupric chloride) is typically added to a parenteral nutrition bag. This bag contains essential minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that gets infused through the veins (IV).

Your provider will determine the dose based on your copper levels.

Adults: The typical dose is 0.5 mg to 1.5 mg per day.
Children: The dose is based on body weight. The typical dose is 20 mcg/kg of weight per day.

Copper (cupric chloride) images

This medicine is Colorless Vial.colorless - Copper (Cupric Chloride) 0.4mg / ml Solution for Injection

This medicine is Colorless Vial.colorless - Copper (Cupric Chloride) 0.4mg / mL Solution for Injection

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References

Best studies we found

American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. (n.d.). What is parenteral nutrition?

Grzeszczak, K., et al. (2020). The role of Fe, Zn, and Cu in pregnancy. Biomolecules.

Hamden, M., et al. (2023). Total parenteral nutrition. StatPearls.

View All References (6)

Hospira, Inc. (2022). Copper- cupric chloride injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Connective tissue.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Definition & facts for Wilson disease.

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2023). Copper: Fact sheet for consumers.

Rahimzadeh, M. R., et al. (2022). Aluminum poisoning with emphasis on its mechanism and treatment of intoxication. Emergency Medicine International.

Royer, A., et al. (2023). Copper toxicity. StatPearls.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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