Zinc Acetate
Zinc Acetate is a zinc supplement used to treat zinc deficiency and manage Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder causing excessive copper accumulation in the body. It provides essential zinc to support immune function, wound healing, and various metabolic processes.
Zinc Acetate is a mineral supplement used to treat zinc deficiency and reduce copper levels in Wilson's disease.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A16AX05
- RxNorm
- 11476
- Generic
- Zinc Acetate
- Class
- atc-a16
- Brands
- Wal-Dryl, Callergy Clear, Banophen Cream, Derma Gran Spray, Calaclear, Caladryl Clear, Galzin, Wilzin, Benadryl Itch Stopping, Zinotic, Calagel, Zinotic ES
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 3
- Onset (min)
- 20
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- topical, otic, oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, cream, lotion, gel, spray, otic solution
- Regions
- United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia
- Monitoring
- serum zinc, serum copper, liver enzymes
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 500mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
zinc is essential for fetal development but excessive amounts may cause harm
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue supplementation only if deficient
monitor zinc levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
zinc crosses into breast milk supplementation may be beneficial if deficient
monitor infant for signs of zinc excess
pediatric_age
infants 0 12 monthsweight-based dosing
use only under medical supervision in infants
monitor growth and development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 12 yearsweight-based dosing
age-appropriate formulations available
regular growth monitoring
geriatric
elderly over 65may need lower dose if renal function reduced
monitor renal function periodically
check renal function and zinc levels
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentmonitor zinc levels
avoid high doses
regular monitoring of serum zinc and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentsignificant dose reduction
use with caution under medical supervision
frequent serum zinc level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment typically needed
zinc is not primarily metabolized by liver
periodic liver function tests
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Zinc Acetate (Galzin) for Wilson's disease treatment
Drug class
Zinc compound used for copper toxicity treatment
Primary indication
Treatment of Wilson's disease - a genetic disorder causing copper accumulation
Mechanism of action
Zinc induces metallothionein in intestinal cells, which binds copper and prevents its absorption
Treatment of zinc deficiency, Wilson's disease (to reduce copper absorption), and as a supplement when dietary zinc intake is inadequate. May also be used in certain skin conditions and as support during pregnancy when zinc levels are low.
Zinc Acetate provides bioavailable zinc that competes with copper for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In Wilson's disease, this reduces copper uptake and helps normalize copper levels. Zinc also serves as a cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions essential for immune function, protein synthesis, and cellular metabolism.
Should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. May interact with antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) and chelating agents. Common side effects include mild stomach upset and nausea. Keep out of reach of children as accidental overdose can be harmful. Consult a healthcare provider before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy