How to take Trientine

Trientine (Trientine) is a drug used to treat Wilson's disease, especially in patients who are intolerant to penicillamine. When using trientine, specific dosing regimens need to be followed to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

In terms of dosage, the initial dose of trientine has not been systematically evaluated, but based on clinical experience, the recommended starting dose for pediatric patients is 500-750 mg per day or 750-1250 mg per day for adult patients, divided into two, three or four doses. For patients who require a dose increase, the maximum dose can be increased to 2,000 mg per day for adults and 1,500 mg per day for children 12 years of age or younger. Of note, increasing the daily dose is recommended only if clinical response is inadequate or if free serum copper concentrations are persistently greater than 20 mcg/dL. Determination of long-term maintenance doses should require laboratory testing every 6 to 12 months to evaluate effects and adjust the regimen.

Trientine must be taken on an empty stomach, and patients must take it at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Additionally, trientine should be kept at least an hour away from other medications, food, or milk to maximize absorption and avoid inactivation of the medication due to metal binding. Capsules must be swallowed whole with water and never opened or chewed to ensure the integrity and potency of the medication.

Patients should pay special attention to the risk of contact dermatitis while taking trientine. Therefore, if the contents of the capsule come into contact with the skin, rinse immediately with water. During the first month of treatment, patients should also measure their temperature every night and report any abnormal symptoms, especially fever or rash, so that potential adverse reactions can be dealt with promptly.

Reference materials:https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c34f77a7-996b-4470-b5df-d946a7fe5dbe##