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Zinc

Post your experience

Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Take each dose with or just after food.

About zinc

Type of medicine	Mineral
Used for	Zinc deficiency
Also called	Solvazinc
Available as	Effervescent (dissolvable) tablets

Zinc salts are given as supplements to treat deficiencies when there is a reduced absorption of zinc. This may be due to a number of conditions including malabsorption, weight loss due to injury, burns or conditions where protein is lost, during intravenous feeding or due to an inadequate diet.

Before taking zinc

Before taking zinc make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from kidney problems.
If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take zinc

Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Effervescent (dissolvable) tablets should be dissolved in water before taking.
Take each dose with or just after food.
Try to take your medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing a dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.

Can zinc cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome or if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine.

Side-effects	What can I do if I experience this
Stomach pain, indigestion	Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if these symptoms continue or become troublesome.
Nausea	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Vomiting	Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Diarrhoea	Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Tiredness	Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if this continues or becomes troublesome.

How to store zinc

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Summary of Product Characteristics, Solvazinc® Effervescent Tablets, Galen Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised January 2004, accessed 22/11/2007

DocID:
1519

DocRef:
dils3715

Last Updated:
7 Dec 2007

Date of Next Review:
6 Dec 2009

Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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