Zemplar Injection
23 June, 2023
Zipsor
23 June, 2023
Zinc acetate
Generic name:
Zinc acetate
Drug class:
Mineral supplement, copper-chelating agent
Dosage form:
Tablets (50 mg)
Route of administration:
Oral
Dose:
Adults and adolescents: 150 mg/day divided into 2–3 doses (e.g., 50 mg TID); adjust by serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels
Pediatric: 75–150 mg/day divided; weight-based adjustments may apply
Varies by indication; consult label.
Mechanism of action:
Zinc induces intestinal metallothionein synthesis, which binds dietary copper and prevents its absorption, enhancing fecal excretion and reducing free copper burden.
Drug usage cases:
- Wilson’s disease: initial therapy adjunct and maintenance therapy
- Asymptomatic Wilson’s disease gene carriers (prophylaxis)
- Wilson’s disease patients intolerant to penicillamine or trientine
Drug contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to zinc or any tablet component
- Severe gastrointestinal malabsorption
- Uncorrected iron deficiency anemia (may worsen iron absorption)
Side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, epigastric discomfort
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Metallic taste
- Gastric ulceration or oropharyngeal irritation
- Headache, dizziness
- Leukopenia, neutropenia
- Microcytic anemia (due to copper deficiency)
- Immune function impairment (with long-term high doses)
- Altered lipid metabolism (e.g., hyperlipidemia)
Warnings:
- Monitor serum copper, ceruloplasmin, complete blood count, and liver function regularly
- Risk of copper deficiency: watch for signs of anemia and neurologic dysfunction
- Separate administration from tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones by ≥2 hours to prevent chelation
- Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal disorders
- Overdose may cause severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic toxicity
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding:
Pregnancy: Animal data show fetal toxicity at high doses; human data are limited. Use only if potential benefit justifies risk; monitor maternal zinc and copper levels.
Breastfeeding: Zinc is excreted in breast milk; normal dietary doses are unlikely harmful. Avoid excessive dosing; monitor infant growth and hematologic parameters.
