Trientine: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Trientine hydrochloride capsules USP 250 mg is indicated in the treatment of patients with Wilson's disease who are intolerant of penicillamine.
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label 6bc468ca…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
No structured frequency data available in current labeling. Consult the official label.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
Trientine hydrochloride capsules USP 250 mg is indicated in the treatment of patients with Wilson's disease who are intolerant of penicillamine. Clinical experience with trientine hydrochloride capsules USP 250 mg is limited and alternate dosing regimens have not been well-characterized; all endpoints in determining an individual patient's dose have not been well defined. Trientine hydrochloride capsules USP 250 mg and penicillamine cannot be considered interchangeable. Trientine hydrochloride capsules USP 250 mg should be used when continued treatment with penicillamine is no longer possible because of intolerable or life endangering side effects. Unlike penicillamine, trientine hydrochloride capsules USP 250 mg is not recommended in cystinuria or rheumatoid arthritis. The absence of a sulfhydryl moiety renders it incapable of binding cystine and, therefore, it is of no use in cystinuria. In 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, trientine hydrochloride capsules USP 250 mg was reported not to be effective in improving any clinical or biochemical parameter after 12 weeks of treatment. Trientine hydrochloride capsules USP 250 mg is not indicated for treatment of biliary cirrhosis.
Conditions associated with Trientine in labeling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trientine used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Trientine?
Current labeling for this ingredient does not include a structured frequency table that we can reproduce. Review the official label linked below.
Does Trientine require lab monitoring?
Monitoring needs vary. Ask your healthcare provider whether any lab tests apply while taking Trientine.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.