Metal binding by pharmaceuticals. Part 1. Copper(II) and zinc(II) interactions following ethambutol administration

Abstract
Formation constants for copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of dextro-2,2′-(ethylenediimino)-di-1-butanol (ethambutol) and its metabolic oxidation product, 2,2′-(ethylenediimino)-dibutyric acid (EDBA) have been measured potentiometrically at 37°C, I=0.15 mol dm−3 [NaCl]. The constants are used in computer models to assess the extent of the formation of these complexes in vivo. These simulations indicate that whereas ethambutol forms metal complexes only to a limited extent in vivo, EDBA competes effectively under physiological conditions for copper(II) and zinc(II). This study suggests that zinc(II) binding by EDBA may account for a number of side effects of ethambutol treatment.

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