Drug interactions
Trientine + Zinc
Severity: Moderate
Trientine and Zinc: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Zinc supplements can reduce trientine absorption and also bind it, which may weaken copper chelation in Wilson disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Trientine and Zinc can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Trientine belongs to Miscellaneous; Zinc belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Chelation of trientine by zinc ions in the gut reduces its absorption.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use; if needed, take trientine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after zinc. Monitor copper indices.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Trientine
- Calcium + Trientine Moderate
- Carbonyl iron + Trientine Moderate
- Copper + Trientine Moderate
- Ferrous fumarate + Trientine Moderate
- Ferrous gluconate + Trientine Moderate
- Ferrous sulfate + Trientine Moderate
Other interactions of Zinc
- Alendronate + Zinc Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Zinc Moderate
- Cefalexin + Zinc Moderate
- Ciprofloxacin + Zinc Moderate
- Delafloxacin + Zinc Moderate
- Dolutegravir + Zinc Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Trientine with Zinc?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Trientine and Zinc can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Zinc supplements can reduce trientine absorption and also bind it, which may weaken copper chelation in Wilson disease.
How serious is the interaction between Trientine and Zinc?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use; if needed, take trientine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after zinc. Monitor copper indices.
What other medicines interact with Trientine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Trientine with, for example, Calcium, Carbonyl iron, Copper. The full list is on the Trientine page.
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