Zinc Gluconate, Oral zink GLOO-koh-nate

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: nutritional supplement

Generic and brand names: zinc gluconate, oral; Zinc Gluconate (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to provide your body with zinc when you are not getting enough in your diet or when you need extra zinc. Zinc may be used to treat other conditions. Talk with your healthcare provider about this. You can buy many zinc products without a prescription.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have:

an allergy to any medicine

• HIV
• problems with alcohol abuse
• rheumatoid arthritis

Females of childbearing age: Since zinc deficiency is rare, you do not need to take extra zinc during pregnancy unless your healthcare provider tells you to. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

How do I take it?

Follow the directions on the package. Do not take more than the amount listed in the directions.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach. However, do not take zinc with grain breads, cereal, bran, milk, yogurt, cheese, or ice cream. These foods may keep your body from absorbing zinc properly.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dry skin, restlessness.

What should I watch out for?

Large dosages of zinc may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste in your mouth and other problems. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the amount of zinc that you need.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; severe stomach pain; restlessness; severe dizziness; change in sense of taste.

Other: mild nausea or dizziness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), demeclocycline, levofloxacin (Levaquin), minocycline (Dynacin, Solodyn, Minocin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), and tetracycline
• calcium supplements (take at least 2 hours before or after you take zinc supplements)
• cisplatin
• coffee
• eltrombopag (Promacta) (take at least 4 hours before or after you take zinc supplements)
• iron supplements (take at least 2 hours before or after you take zinc supplements)
• penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)
• trientine (Syprine)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.