Zinc
Description
Zinc is a nutritional supplement. It is a vital component of your body. It is used to improve immunity, promote wound healing, and prevent skin infections and acne. It also relieves cold, decreases the progression of eye conditions. It is necessary for the proper growth and development of your body. It works by balancing the amount of zinc in your body for normal functioning.
Zinc has some side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, metallic taste, etc. These side effects are mild and may subside by themselves. Consult your doctor if they persist or worsen.
Zinc should be taken according to your doctor's instruction. It is also available in combination with other medicines. You should not take more than the prescribed dose. Avoid applying a topical form of this medication in your mouth, nose, ears, etc. In case of undesired effects due to an overdose, consult your doctor immediately.
Zinc is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems or any other medical condition before taking this medication. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Zinc
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach upset
Uses of Zinc
What is it prescribed for?
- Nutritional Supplementation
- Skin Infection
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time required for Zinc to show its effect is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe time duration for which Zinc remains active in your body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Zinc.
- Usage in pregnancy?Zincis not recommended for use in pregnancy as there is no sufficient safety data available. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Zinc is not recommended for use while breastfeeding as there is no sufficient safety data available. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Allergy
Zinc is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Zincis not recommended for use in pregnancy as there is no sufficient safety data available. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Zinc is not recommended for use while breastfeeding as there is no sufficient safety data available. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
Kidney problem
Zinc should be used with caution if you have kidney problems as this medicine may accumulate in your body and cause undesired effects.
Copper deficiency
High dose of Zinc for a long time should be used with caution as it may cause copper deficiency. A low level of copper in your body may cause weakness, fatigue, numbness in your hands and legs, etc.
Missed Dose
Oral: Take/apply the missed dose of Zinc as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Oral: Never take more than the prescribed dose of Zinc. Contact your doctor in case of an overdose.
Topical form: As Zinc is intended for external use, the likelihood of side effects due to an overdose is low. However, do not apply more than the prescribed dose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Penicillamine
Iron supplements
Ciprofloxacin
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral: Take Zinc as instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine for the recommended duration. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects.
Topical form: Zinc topical form is for external use only. Apply Zinc as instructed by your doctor.
Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth. Rinse with water immediately if it comes in contact with these areas.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Zinc supplements works by maintaining the normal balance of zinc in your body.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Nutritional supplements
Schedule
Schedule H
Mayo Clinic. 2021. Zinc. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Solvazinc 45mg Effervescent Tablets. - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].
Encyclopedia, M. and diet, Z., 2021. Zinc in diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 14 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 18 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.