What is Zinc acetate?
Zinc is one of the minerals utilized for treating Wilson's disease, which is an uncommon genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in vital organs like the liver or brain. Zinc acetate is typically used for people who have had treatment with a chelating medicine to eliminate copper from the body.
Zinc acetate is also used for different purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Zinc acetate
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Zinc acetate can cause serious adverse side effects. Contact your physician immediately if you suffer from:
- Speech problems,
- Strange change in behavior or mood.
Common adverse reactions to zinc include:
- Upset stomach,
- Abnormal lab tests.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Take only according to the directions. Talk to your doctor if you take other medications or suffer from any other medical condition or allergy.
Similar or related drugs
Penicillamine, Cuvrior, Galzin, Cuprimine, Clovique, and D-Penamine
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to apply zinc acetate if you are sensitive to it.
Consult your physician If you've had any of the following:
- Kidney disease
- Any medical condition that makes it difficult for your body to take in the nutrients in foods (malabsorption).
Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.It is recommended not to feed your baby while taking zinc acetate.Zinc acetate shouldn't be administered to children younger than 10.
How to take Zinc Acetate?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Follow the medication precisely as directed.Eat on an empty stomach at least one hour prior to or up to three hours following eating.If zinc acetate causes upset in your stomach, take the medication between lunch and breakfast.
Suck the capsule whole, and don't crush or chew on it, break it, or break it open.Use zinc acetate frequently for the best benefits.You'll need medical tests.Keep at room temperature, away from heat, humidity, and light.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Wilson's Disease:
50 mg taken orally three times per day
Comments:
The use of this drug is not recommended for the initial treatment of patients with symptoms because of its slow time to effect (due to the zinc-induced rise in metallothionein and blockade of copper uptake).
Use chelating agents for initial treatment.
When the patient is clinically stable, treatments with zinc acetate may be initiated, and chelation therapy will continue according to the clinical indications.
Treatment for maintenance of Wilson's disease, initially treated by the use of a chelating agent
Usual Pediatric Dose for Zinc Deficiency:
US recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of zinc elemental:
Between 0 and six months: 2 mg (adequate intake)
7-12 months 7 to 12 months: 3 mg
1–3 years, 3 mg
Between 4 and 8 years old 4 to 8 years: 4 mg
9 to 13 years old: 8 mg
Between 14 and 18 years old:
Male: 11 mg
Female: 9 mg
Pregnancy: 12 mg
-Lactation: 13 mg
Usual Pediatric Dose for Wilson's Disease:
10 years old and older:
The usual dosage is 25 mg taken orally three times per day.
May increase to 50 mg three times per day if monitoring shows a decrease in the control
Comments:
The use of this drug is not recommended for the initial treatment of patients suffering from symptoms because of its slow time to effect (through zinc-induced increases in metallothionein levels and copper blockade of copper uptake).
Use chelating agents to begin treatment.
If the patient is stable clinically, therapy with zinc acetate may start; continue chelation according to the clinical indications.
Treatment for maintenance of Wilson's disease is first treated by the use of a chelating agent.
What happens if I miss a dose?
The medication should be taken in the shortest time possible. However, do not take any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Avoid this
There are certain foods that cause the body's system to take in zinc acetate. This includes coffee, milk bread, bran, bread, and eggs that have been boiled. Follow the instructions of your physician.
Interaction with other drugs
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, particularly antiviral medications used to manage HIV.
Other medications can alter the effects of zinc acetate. It includes over-the-counter and prescription supplements, vitamins, as well as herbs. Tell your doctor about the other medications you are taking.
