ZINC SUPPLEMENTS

Brand & Generic Names

Egozinc	ZINC GLUCONATE
Orazinc	ZINC SULFATE
PMS Egozing	Zinc-220
Verazinc	Zincate
ZINC CHLORIDE	Zinkaps-220
Numerous multiple vitamin sup	plements. Check label.

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? No
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Nutritional supplement (mineral)

Uses

• Treats zinc deficiency that may lead to growth retardation, appetite loss, changes in taste or smell, skin eruptions, slow wound healing, decreased immune function, diarrhea or impaired night vision.
• In absence of a deficiency, is used to treat burns, eating disorders, liver disorders, prematurity in infants, intestinal diseases, parasitism, kidney disorders, skin disorders and stress.
• May be useful as a supplement for those who are breast-feeding or pregnant (under a doctor's supervision).

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet or capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet or open capsule and take with liquid or food.

When to take:
At the same time each day, according to a doctor's instructions or the package label.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Required by the body for the utilization of many enzymes, nucleic acids and proteins and for cell growth.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 hours.

Don't take with:
See Interaction section and consult doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Dizziness, yellow eyes and skin, shortness of breath, chest pain, vomiting.

WHAT TO DO:

• Have patient drink lots of water.
• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see previous section.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

None expected.

Rare:

• Indigestion, heartburn, nausea and vomiting (only with large doses).
• Fever, chills, sore throat, ulcers in throat or mouth, unusual tired- ness or weakness (only with large doses).

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You have an upper respiratory infection (zink makes this worse).

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Over age 60:
No special problems expected. Nutritional supplements may be helpful if the diet is restricted in any way.

Pregnancy:
Adequate zinc intake is important. Consult a doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Adequate zinc intake is important. Consult a doctor.

Infants & children:
Normal daily requirements vary with age. Consult a doctor.

Prolonged use:
No special problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:
No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No special problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:
The best natural sources of zinc are red meats, oysters, herring, peas and beans.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Copper supplements	Inhibited absorption of copper.
Diuretics, thiazide*	Increased need for zinc.
Folic acid	Increased need for zinc.
Iron supplements*	Increased need for zinc.
Penicillamine	Increased need for zinc.
Tetracyclines*	Decreased absorption of tetracycline
	if taken within 2 hours of each other.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	May increase need for zinc.
Beverages:	No proven problems.
Cocaine:	No proven problems.
High-fiber.	May decrease zinc absorption.
Marijuana:	No proven problems.
Tobacco:	May increase need for zinc.