What is trientine hydrochloride used for?

Trientine hydrochloride is used to treat Wilson's disease in people who cannot tolerate a different medicine called penicillamine.

Can I take trientine hydrochloride with my daily vitamins?

You should avoid mineral supplements because they can stop trientine hydrochloride from being absorbed properly.

Is trientine hydrochloride the same as penicillamine?

No, trientine hydrochloride and penicillamine cannot be used interchangeably.

How should I take trientine hydrochloride capsules?

Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not chew or open them, and take them on an empty stomach.

When is the best time to take trientine hydrochloride around mealtime?

Take it at least one hour before you eat or at least two hours after you have finished eating.

What side effects should I watch for in the first month?

During the first month, check your temperature every night and report any fever or skin rashes to your doctor.

Can I take iron supplements with this medication?

Yes, but you must wait at least two hours after taking trientine hydrochloride before taking iron.

Is trientine hydrochloride safe for treating rheumatoid arthritis?

No, trientine hydrochloride is not recommended for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Trientine Hydrochloride | CAS 38260-01-4 | WYHIICXRPHEJKI

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Copper chelating agent

Trientine hydrochloride is a medication used to treat Wilson's disease in patients who cannot tolerate penicillamine. It works as a copper chelating agent, helping to remove excess copper from the body.

How it worksIt acts as a copper chelating agent, which means it binds to copper in the body so it can be removed.

Brand names:Trientine hydrochloride

Used for

Wilson's disease (for patients who cannot take penicillamine)

Conditions

Wilson's disease

Class

Chelating AgentCopper chelating agentHepaticNeurological

How to take

Formscapsules

Routesoral

Adults typically take 750 to 1250 mg per day, divided into two, three, or four doses. Children typically take 500 to 750 mg per day, divided into multiple doses. Maximum daily doses are 2000 mg for adults and 1500 mg for children aged 12 or under.

Capsules must be swallowed whole with water; do not open or chew them. It must be taken on an empty stomach: at least one hour before meals or two hours after meals. It should also be taken at least one hour apart from any other drugs, food, or milk.

Key warnings

·Trientine hydrochloride and penicillamine are not interchangeable.
·Do not use for rheumatoid arthritis or cystinuria.
·Do not use for biliary cirrhosis.
·Avoid contact with capsule contents to prevent skin irritation; wash skin with water immediately if contact occurs.
·Monitor temperature nightly for the first month of treatment and report any fever or skin rashes.

Do not use if

·Hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to trientine hydrochloride

Side effects

Common

iron deficiencydystoniamuscle spasmsmyasthenia gravis

Serious

·systemic lupus erythematosus
·heartburn
·stomach pain or tenderness
·skin thickening, cracking, or flaking
·anemia
·gastritis
·mouth ulcers
·bloody stools
·loss of appetite
·muscle weakness
·muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)

Seek help if

·Fever
·Skin eruption
·Muscle pain or weakness
·Abdominal pain

Interactions

·Mineral supplements (may block absorption)
·Iron (may block absorption; if needed, wait at least two hours between taking trientine hydrochloride and iron)

FoodMust be taken on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after meals) and away from milk or other foods to ensure it works correctly.

Special populations

PregnancyTrientine hydrochloride should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Studies in animals showed risks of fetal abnormalities and resorption.

PediatricTrientine hydrochloride has been used in children as young as 6 years old, though controlled safety and effectiveness studies have not been conducted in children.

GeriatricThere is not enough information to know if older adults respond differently. Doctors should be cautious and likely start at a lower dose due to common age-related changes in liver, kidney, or heart function.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Body temperature (nightly for the first month)
·Skin eruptions or rashes
·Free serum copper levels
·Iron levels

Questions to ask

·Is trientine hydrochloride safe for me if I have other health conditions?
·How often should my copper levels be checked while on this medication?
·What should I do if I develop a skin rash while taking this?
·How will this interact with my other medications or mineral supplements?

Practical

OverdoseThere is one report of an adult ingesting 30 grams without clear ill effects, but there is very little data available on overdoses.

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.