zinc acetate Health Article

Generic name(s):

zinc acetate

Brand name(s):

Galzin

What is the most important information I should know about zinc acetate?

Do not take more zinc acetate than is directed. Taking zinc acetate with food may decrease stomach upset.

What is zinc acetate?

Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral. Zinc is important for growth and for the development and health of body tissues.

Zinc acetate is used to treat and to prevent zinc deficiencies. Zinc acetate is also used in the treatment of Wilson's disease.

Zinc acetate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zinc acetate?

Before taking zinc acetate, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Zinc acetate may not be recommended in some situations.

It is not known whether zinc acetate will harm an unborn baby. Do not take zinc acetate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether zinc acetate will harm an nursing baby. Do not take zinc acetate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take zinc acetate?

Take zinc acetate exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take the tablets and capsules with a full glass of water. Taking zinc acetate with food may decrease stomach upset. Avoid taking zinc with foods high in calcium or phosphorus. These foods may decrease the absorption of zinc. Do not take more zinc acetate than is directed. Store zinc acetate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a zinc overdose include nausea, severe vomiting, dehydration, and restlessness.

What should I avoid while taking zinc acetate?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking zinc acetate unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of zinc acetate?

Stop taking zinc acetate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take zinc acetate and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea or an upset stomach. Taking zinc acetate with food may decrease stomach upset.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect zinc acetate?

Before taking zinc acetate, talk to your doctor if you are taking

• a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others); or

• a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), gatifloxacin (Tequin), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and others.

Zinc acetate may decrease the absorption of the antibiotics listed above. You may not be able to take zinc acetate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here can also interact with zinc acetate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines, including herbal products.