Trientine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 17, 2024.

Applies to trientine: oral capsule.

Common side effects of trientine

Some side effects of trientine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• constipation
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• mood changes

Serious side effects of trientine

Along with its needed effects, trientine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking trientine:

Less common side effects

• pale skin
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• dark-colored urine
• difficulty in breathing, chewing, talking, or swallowing
• double vision
• drooping eyelids
• fever and chills
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headaches
• inability to move the eyes
• increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
• loss of appetite
• muscle cramps, spasms, or stiffness
• muscle or joint pain
• sore tongue
• sore throat
• sticking out of the tongue
• stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness
• swollen glands
• uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs
• unusual facial expressions

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking trientine:

Symptoms of overdose

• agitation
• bone pain
• coma
• confusion
• decreased urine output
• dizziness
• headache
• hostility
• irritability
• lethargy
• loss of appetite
• muscle twitching
• nausea
• rapid weight gain
• seizures
• stupor
• swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to trientine: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Nervous system adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Myasthenia gravis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, duodenitis, severe colitis, heartburn, epigastric pain and tenderness, acute gastritis, aphthoid ulcers, abdominal pain, melena^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anemia, hypochromic microcytic anemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Systemic lupus erythematosus, dystonia, muscular spasm, cramps, muscle pain, rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Iron deficiency, anorexia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Skin rash, thickening/fissuring/flaking of the skin^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Malaise, weakness^[Ref]

Further information

Trientine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer