zinc gluconate

Do not take more zinc gluconate than is directed.

Taking zinc gluconate with food may decrease stomach upset.

Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral. Zinc is important for growth and for the development and health of body tissues.

Zinc gluconate is used to treat and to prevent zinc deficiencies.

Zinc gluconate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before taking zinc gluconate, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or herbal/health supplements. Zinc gluconate may not be recommended in some situations.

It is not known whether zinc gluconate will harm an unborn baby. Do not take zinc gluconate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether zinc gluconate will harm an nursing baby. Do not take zinc gluconate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take zinc gluconate exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take the tablets with a full glass of water.

Allow the oral lozenges to dissolve slowly in the mouth.

Taking zinc gluconate with food may decrease stomach upset.

Avoid taking zinc with foods high in calcium or phosphorus. These foods may decrease the absorption of zinc.

Do not take more zinc gluconate than is directed.

Store zinc gluconate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a zinc overdose include nausea, severe vomiting, dehydration, and restlessness.

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking zinc gluconate unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Stop taking zinc gluconate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take zinc gluconate and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea or an upset stomach. Taking zinc gluconate with food may decrease stomach upset.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking zinc gluconate, talk to your doctor if you are taking

• a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), and oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others); or
• a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), gatifloxacin (Tequin), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and others.

Zinc gluconate may decrease the absorption of the antibiotics listed above. You may not be able to take zinc gluconate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here can also interact with zinc gluconate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines, including herbal products.

Your pharmacist has additional information about zinc gluconate written for health professionals that you may read.