Zinc Acetate (Zinc Acetate Dihydrate)
Also sold as: Wilzin, Zinc-Orotat, Zincate
Pregnancy
Cat C
Lactation
Safe
Schedule
OTC
Forms
Tablet 25mg, 50mg, 110mg (equiv. zinc content varies) +1
Indications
- Wilson's disease (maintenance therapy)
- Zinc deficiency / supplementation
- Immune support
- Wound healing
- Age-related macular degeneration (high-dose)
Adult Dosing
Wilson's disease (maintenance)
150-300 mg daily (elemental zinc) divided BID-TDS
Long-term
Zinc deficiency
25-50 mg elemental zinc daily
Until levels normalized
Age-related macular degeneration
80 mg elemental zinc daily
Long-term
Pediatric Dosing
Careful monitoring required; copper status essential
Renal Dose Adjustment
| CrCl / eGFR | Dose Adjustment |
|---|---|
| CrCl any level | Caution; monitor zinc and copper levels |
Hepatic Adjustment
Monitor closely in hepatic disease (Wilson's disease).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category C
Limited data; use only if clearly necessary (e.g., Wilson's disease).
Lactation: Safe
Safe; minimal excretion in breast milk.
Top Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoroquinolones / Tetracyclines | Reduced antibiotic absorption (take 2+ hours apart) | Major |
| Iron supplements | Reduced absorption of both; separate by 2+ hours | Major |
| Copper supplements | Competitive absorption; zinc reduces copper bioavailability | Moderate |
| Penicillamine | Zinc reduces penicillamine efficacy in Wilson's disease | Moderate |
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Side Effects
Common
- Nausea
- Metallic taste
- Mouth irritation
- Abdominal cramps
- Copper deficiency (long-term use)
- Diarrhea
Serious / Discontinue If
- Copper deficiency with long-term use (neuropathy, myelopathy)
- Sideroblastic anemia (copper deficiency)
- Immune suppression (high-dose, prolonged)
- Hypercalciuria (rare)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to zinc
- Hemochromatosis
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
Available Indian Brands
| Brand | Manufacturer | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Wilzin 50 mg | Orphan | 10 tab ₹300-400 (specialty pharmacy) |
| Zinc-Orotat 25 mg | Various | 10 tab ₹80-120 |
Monitoring Required
- Serum zinc level at baseline and Q3-6 months (Wilson's disease)
- Serum copper level (esp. long-term use); target 12-24 mcg/dL
- Ceruloplasmin if Wilson's disease
- CBC for macrocytic anemia (copper deficiency sign)
- Neurological exam (copper deficiency: neuropathy)
Patient Counseling Points
- Take on empty stomach for best absorption (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals)
- Take fluoroquinolone or tetracycline antibiotics 2+ hours away from zinc
- Report copper deficiency signs (weakness, numbness, anemia)
- Long-term supplementation requires periodic copper level checks
- Wilson's disease: lifelong therapy essential; do NOT stop without doctor approval
- Expect metallic taste (temporary)
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Clinically reviewed by: Dr. Aditya Nair, MD (Neurology), Wilson's Disease Specialist
Last reviewed: 2026-04-11
References
- BNF — Zinc Acetate
- American Academy of Neurology Wilson's Disease
- Cochrane Zinc Review