Zinc

What is it?
Zinc is an essential trace element used to treat Zinc deficiency and delayed wound healing associated with Zinc deficiency. It is also used for herpes simplex, Hansen's disease, diabetes, dental plaque, and Alzheimer's disease. It may also be used to treat Wilson's disease, colds, acne and other skin problems. Other uses include fighting infection and stimulating the immune system.

Other names for Zinc include: Zinc Picolinate, Zincum, and Zinc Gluconate.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:
Tell your doctor if you

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:
Talk with your caregiver about how much Zinc you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Zinc. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:
Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Drug and Food Interactions:
Do not take Zinc without talking to your doctor first if you are taking:

• Caffeine and dairy foods also reduce absorption of Zinc
• Separate the use of zinc from the above foods by 2 hours after or 1 hour before food or drink
• Medicines used to treat infection (antibiotics, examples: ciprofloxacin (Cipro(R)), levofloxacin (Levaquin(R)), tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline)
• Penicillamine
• Copper, iron, or products that contain copper or iron

Warnings:

• Before taking Zinc, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Long term use of zinc supplements over 15 milligrams daily is not recommended without adequate medical supervision (1)

Side Effects:
Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:
You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• You may have nausea (stomach upset) or vomiting (throwing up) (4)
• You may have a taste of metal in your mouth (5)

References:
1. National Research Council: Vitamin E. Recommended Dietary Allowances, 10th ed. National Academy Press, Washington, DC; 1998.
2. Anon: Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons Inc, St Louis, MO; 1998.
3. Product Information: Galzin(TM), zinc acetate. Gate Pharmaceuticals, Sellersville, PA; 1997.
4. Reynolds JEF (ed): Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopoeia (electronic version). Micromedex Inc, Englewood, CO; 1996.
5. Mossad SB, Macknin ML, Medendorp SV et al: zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Ann Intern Med 1996; 125:81-88.
6. Murray M & Pizzorno J: Zinc. In: The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, revised 2nd ed. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA; 1998.
7. Facinformation: Zinkit(R) zinksulfat. Woerwag Pharma BmbH, Boeblinger, Germany; 1997.
8. Polk RE, Healy DP, Sahai J et al: Effect of ferrous sulfate and multivitamins with zinc on absorption of ciprofloxacin in normal volunteers. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989; 33(11): 1841-1844.
9. Finnerty EF: Topical zinc in the treatment of herpes simplex. Cutis 1986; 37(2): 130-131.
10. Fachinformation: Mitosyl(R) zinkoxid. Synthelabo Arzneimittel GmbH, Pucheim, Germany; 1995.
11. Faure P, Benhamor PY, Perard A et al: Lipid peroxidation in insulin-dependent diabetic patients with early retina degenerative lesions: effects of an oral zinc supplementation. Eur J Clin Nutr 1995; 49(4): 282-288.
12. Mathur NK & Bumb RA: Oral zinc in the trophic ulcers of leprosy (letter). Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis 1983; 51(3): 410-411.
13. Fortes C, Forastiere F, Agabiti N et al: Effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population. J Am Geriatr Soc 1998; 46(1): 19-26.
14. Goranson K, Liden S & Odsell L: Oral zinc in acne vulgaris: a clinical and methodological study. Acta Derm Venerol 1978; 58(5): 443-448.