Trientine
Also known as: Syprine, Metalite, Trientine, Cufence
- **Administration:** It is best to give this medication on an **empty stomach** (1 to 2 hours before a meal) to maximize its effectiveness. - **GI Upset:** If giving it on an empty stomach causes your pet to vomit or lose their appetite, you may give it with a very small amount of food to settle the stomach. - **Handling Precaution:** **Do not open the capsules** or sprinkle the powder on your pet's food. The powder can cause skin irritation. If the powder accidentally gets on your skin or your pet's skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water. - **Storage:** Keep the medication stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As a chelator for copper hepatotoxicity
- As a chelator for copper hepatotoxicity
- As a chelator for copper hepatotoxicity
- Copper hepatotoxicosis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Acute renal failure (rare but reported in dogs)
- Iron deficiency anemia (with long-term use)
- Topical contact dermatitis (if powder contacts skin)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Melaena (dark, tarry stools)
- Weakness
- Copper deficiency (with chronic therapy)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to trientine
- Cystinuria
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Biliary cirrhosis
- No specific contraindications available in the monograph, but should be used with caution in patients without confirmed copper storage disease.
- **Teratogenicity:** Trientine is a potential teratogen (FDA Category C). It should only be used in pregnant animals when the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh the risks to the offspring. Exercise caution in nursing patients. **Handling Warning:** The drug can cause topical dermatitis. It **must be given in an intact capsule** and should never be opened or sprinkled on food. If the powder accidentally contacts human or animal skin, wash the area immediately with water.
Drug interactions
- Iron: Iron and trientine mutually inhibit the absorption of one another. Separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Zinc: Trientine may chelate zinc and other essential minerals, reducing their absorption. Separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Iron supplements: Inhibits absorption of iron; separate doses by a minimum of 2 hours
- Zinc supplements: Inhibits absorption of zinc; separate doses by a minimum of 2 hours
- Other mineral supplements: Inhibits absorption of minerals; separate doses by a minimum of 2 hours
Frequently asked questions
What is Trientine used for in pets?
- **Administration:** It is best to give this medication on an **empty stomach** (1 to 2 hours before a meal) to maximize its effectiveness. - **GI Upset:** If giving it on an empty stomach causes your pet to vomit or lose their appetite, you may give it with a very small amount of food to settle the stomach. - **Handling Precaution:** **Do not open the capsules** or sprinkle the powder on your pet's food. The powder can cause skin irritation. If the powder accidentally gets on your skin or your pet's skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water. - **Storage:** Keep the medication stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container.
Is Trientine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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