Zinc

Zinc is used to promote your immune system. It can be taken to help your body fight the common cold.

Zinc Overview

Reviewed: July 17, 2014
Updated: 

Zinc is an important mineral that is necessary for many bodily functions. 

Zinc is used most often for immune function, wound healing, diarrhea, the common cold, age-related macular degeneration and zinc deficiency.

Common side effects of zinc include bad taste and nausea. 

Zinc Cautionary Labels

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precautions

Uses

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Zinc is used most often for immune function, wound healing, diarrhea, the common cold, age-related macular degeneration and zinc deficiency. 

Zinc has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above.

Zinc may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Zinc

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Common side effects of oral zinc include the following:

  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Nausea

This is not a complete list of zinc side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Zinc Interactions

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Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

  • Quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin)
  • Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline (Vibramycin)
  • Penicillamine
  • Thiazide diuretics such as chlorthalidone (brand name Hygroton) and hydrochlorothiazide (brand names Esidrix and HydroDIURIL)

This is not a complete list of zinc drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Zinc Precautions

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  • Getting too much zinc from supplements and dietary sources can be harmful. Signs of too much zinc include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. 
  • When individuals take zinc for a long period of time, they sometimes develop problems, such as low copper levels, reduced immune system function, and low levels of good cholesterol (HDL). 
  • The amount of zinc that is considered safe depends on your age.
  • Use of nasal spray and gels that contain zinc has been associated with the loss of the sense of smell, in some cases long-lasting or permanent.