Trientine Hydrochloride
About Trientine Hydrochloride
Trientine Hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of Wilson’s disease and also as an alternative in patients who cannot take penicillamine because of side effects. Wilson's disease is a genetic metabolic disorder that causes excess copper to accumulate in the body.
Trientine Hydrochloride contains Trientine hydrochloride, a copper-chelating agent, which works by attaching to the copper and removing excess copper from the body via urine.
In some cases, Trientine Hydrochloride may cause nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite, and iron deficiency anaemia, causing weakness or fatigue. Most of the side effects may not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, talk to the doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Let the doctor know if you are allergic to any of the components in Trientine Hydrochloride. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions. It is advised to avoid taking high copper-containing foods.
Uses of Trientine Hydrochloride
Medicinal Benefits
- Helps remove excess copper from the body through urine.
- Protects organs like the liver and brain from copper damage.
- Improves symptoms such as tremors, liver problems, and speech issues.
- Alternative treatment for patients who cannot tolerate penicillamine.
- Helps in long-term control of copper levels with regular use.
Directions for Use
- Trientine Hydrochloride should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, and at least 1 hour apart from any other food or milk.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication, to ensure the safety.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Trientine Hydrochloride
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Change of bowel habits
- Skin rash
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Do not take Trientine Hydrochloride if you are allergic to any of its components.
- Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Inform the doctor if you have anaemia (low red blood cells), biliary cirrhosis (liver disease), or low iron levels.
- Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of nervous system problems (shaking, lack of coordination, slurred speech, muscle stiffness and worsening of muscle spasms) or lupus-like reaction (persistent rash, fever, joint pain, and tiredness).
- Let the doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines, as there may be an interaction.
- Iron supplements (ferrous sulphate)
• Potential effect: May reduce the absorption of both medicines - Zinc Supplements (Zinc sulphate)
• Potential effect: May interfere withe the absorption of Trientine Hydrochloride. Hence, should be avoided. - Antacids (Aluminium hydroxide)
• Potential effect: May reduce the absorption of both medicines - Other copper chelating agents
• Potential effect: May intefere withe the treatment of Trientine Hydrochloride.
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid taking high copper containing foods like nuts, mushrooms, chocolate and shellfish.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions.
- Anaemia (low red blood cells)
- Biliary cirrhosis (liver disease)
- Low iron levels.
- Nervous system problems (shaking, lack of coordination, slurred speech, muscle stiffness and worsening of muscle spasms)
- Lupus-like reaction (persistent rash, fever, joint pain, and tiredness).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Trientine Hydrochloride. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorConsult the doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby. Your doctor will prescribe the medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorConsult the doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe the medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedTrientine Hydrochloride is unlikely to affect your ability to drive. However, drive or operate heavy machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Trientine Hydrochloride.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Trientine Hydrochloride.
Children
safe if prescribedTrientine Hydrochloride is safe for use in children above five years if prescribed by the doctor. The doctor may adjust the dose based on the body weight and age of the child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Diet
- Avoid high-copper foods like shellfish, liver, nuts, chocolate, and mushrooms (important in Wilson’s disease)
- Avoid mineral supplements containing iron or zinc close to the dose (keep a gap of a few hours)
- Drink clean, low-copper water and maintain a balanced, healthy diet
Lifestyle changes
- Avoid alcohol to protect your liver and maintain overall health
- Maintain a healthy routine with balanced diet, good sleep, and avoid self-medicating without doctor advice
Safety tips
- Watch for side effects like anemia, weakness, or stomach upset and inform your doctor
- Avoid taking it with iron or mineral supplements at the same time (keep a gap of a few hours)
Special Advise
- Your doctor may regularly monitor for disease symptoms and copper levels in your blood and urine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Wilson’s disease: Wilson's disease is an inherited disorder that causes excess copper to build up in the body, particularly in the brain, liver, and eyes. Excess copper damages the tissues and may lead to tissue death and scarring. Symptoms of Wilson's disease may include fatigue, abdominal pain, swelling, and uncontrolled/poorly coordinated movements.
FAQs
Trientine Hydrochloride is used to treat Wilson’s disease.
Trientine Hydrochloride works by attaching to the copper and removing excess copper from the body via urine.
It is recommended to take Trientine Hydrochloride at least 1 hour apart from other medicinal products. If you take iron preparations or antacids, maintain a gap of at least 2 hours before and after taking Trientine Hydrochloride. If you are taking mineral supplements, take Trientine Hydrochloride at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking mineral supplements.
If you forget a dose, take the next dose at the scheduled time. Avoid taking a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Even if you feel well, do not stop or change your treatment without talking to the doctor. Consult the doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Trientine Hydrochloride.
Trientine Hydrochloride starts to lower copper levels in a matter of weeks, but as body copper levels progressively decline, it may take several months of consistent treatment to see notable clinical changes.
