Zinc acetate

Generic name: Zinc Acetate
Brand names: Galzin
Dosage form: oral capsule (25 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Usage of Zinc acetate

Zinc is a mineral that is used to treat Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder in which copper builds up in some of your vital organs such as the brain or liver. Zinc acetate is usually given to people who have already been treated with a chelating drug to remove copper from the body.

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

Zinc acetate side effects

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

Zinc acetate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

speech problems; or

unusual changes in mood or behavior.

Common side effects of zinc acetate may include:

upset stomach; or

abnormal lab tests.

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.

Before taking Zinc acetate

You should not use zinc acetate if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney disease; or

any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while taking zinc acetate.

Zinc acetate should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Zinc acetate

Usual Adult Dose for Wilson's Disease:

50 mg orally 3 times a day Comments:-Use is not recommended for initial treatment of symptomatic patients because of its slow onset of action (by zinc-induced increase in metallothionein and copper uptake blockade).-Use chelating agents for initial treatment.-When patient is clinically stable, treatment with zinc acetate can begin; continue chelation therapy as clinically indicated.Use: Maintenance treatment of Wilson's disease initially treated with a chelating agent

Usual Pediatric Dose for Zinc Deficiency:

US Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of elemental zinc:0 to 6 months: 2 mg (adequate intake)7 to 12 months: 3 mg1 to 3 years: 3 mg4 to 8 years: 4 mg9 to 13 years: 8 mg14 to 18 years: -Male: 11 mg-Female: 9 mg-Pregnancy: 12 mg-Lactation: 13 mg

Usual Pediatric Dose for Wilson's Disease:

10 years and older: Usual dose: 25 mg orally 3 times a day -May increase to 50 mg 3 times a day if monitoring indicates lessening of controlComments:-Use is not recommended for initial treatment of symptomatic patients because of its slow onset of action (by zinc-induced increase in metallothionein and copper uptake blockade).-Use chelating agents for initial treatment.-When patient is clinically stable, treatment with zinc acetate can begin; continue chelation therapy as clinically indicated.Use: Maintenance treatment of Wilson's disease initially treated with a chelating agent

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Zinc acetate

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially antiviral medicine to treat HIV.

Other drugs may affect zinc acetate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

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