Question

All of the following statements about Trientine are true, except:

• A. More potent than penicillamine and orally absorbed
• B. Alternative to penicillamine in non-tolerant patients
• C. Not given with iron within two hours of ingestion
• D. May cause iron deficiency anemia

Hint:

Think about whether the reserve chelator is really stronger and better absorbed than the first-line one.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Know the drug.
Trientine (triethylene tetramine) is a copper-chelating agent used in Wilson disease. It works by binding copper and increasing its urinary excretion.

Step 2: Evaluate each statement.
Option B is true: trientine is the standard alternative to penicillamine in patients who cannot tolerate penicillamine, since it has fewer adverse effects.
Option C is true: trientine and oral iron should be separated by at least two hours because trientine chelates iron in the gut and the two interfere with each other's absorption.
Option D is true: because trientine can chelate and bind iron, long-term use may lead to iron deficiency anemia.

Step 3: Identify the false statement.
Option A is the exception. Trientine is in fact less potent than penicillamine as a copper chelator, not more potent, and it is poorly absorbed orally. So calling it more potent and well absorbed is wrong.

Step 4: Conclusion.
The statement that is NOT true is option A.