zinc gluconate

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Pronunciation: ZINK GLUE koe nate

Brand: Orazinc

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

Before using zinc gluconate, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use zinc gluconate if you have certain medical conditions.

Avoid taking this medication with foods that are high in calcium or phosphorus, which can make it harder for your body to absorb zinc gluconate. Foods high in calcium or phosphorus include milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, dried beans or peas, lentils, nuts, peanut butter, beer, cola soft drinks, and hot cocoa.

Zinc gluconate can make certain antibiotics less effective. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using before you start taking zinc gluconate.

What is zinc gluconate?

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

Zinc gluconate is used to treat and to prevent zinc deficiency.

Zinc gluconate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

Before using zinc gluconate, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use zinc gluconate if you have certain medical conditions.

It is not known whether zinc gluconate will harm an unborn baby. Do not take zinc gluconate without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether zinc gluconate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take zinc gluconate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take zinc gluconate with a full glass of water.

Take zinc gluconate with food if it upsets your stomach.

Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from zinc gluconate. The recommended dietary allowance of zinc gluconate increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the National Academy of Sciences "Dietary Reference Intake" or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "Dietary Reference Intake" (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances" or RDA) listings for more information.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, severe vomiting, dehydration, and restlessness.

What should I avoid while taking zinc gluconate?

Avoid taking this medication with foods that are high in calcium or phosphorus, which can make it harder for your body to absorb zinc gluconate. Foods high in calcium or phosphorus include milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, dried beans or peas, lentils, nuts, peanut butter, beer, cola soft drinks, and hot cocoa.

What are the possible side effects of zinc gluconate?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • nausea; or
  • upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect zinc gluconate?

The following drugs can interact with or be made less effective by zinc gluconate. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

  • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
  • methyltestosterone (Android, Methitest, Oreton);
  • penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen);
  • risedronate (Actonel);
  • a tetracycline antibiotic such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap); or
  • an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and others.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with zinc gluconate. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about zinc gluconate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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