Zinc Interactions
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Interactions with Medications and Supplements - Adverse
The following are the medications and supplements that are more likely to cause an adverse reaction with zinc supplements:
- ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors, such as captopril and enalpril may cause low blood levels of zinc as a side effect, so zinc supplementation may be required to avoid zinc deficiency. - Antibiotics
Antibiotics should not be taken at the same time as zinc supplements as the zinc can decrease the absorption of the antibiotics and inactive some of their effectiveness. It is advisable to take zinc at least 2 hours before or after the intake of the antibiotic, or not take the zinc supplements at all until the course of the antibiotic is completed. - Blood pressure medications
Blood pressure medications may cause low blood levels of zinc as a side effect, so zinc supplementation may be required to avoid zinc deficiency. - Calcium
Zinc supplements can interfere with the absorption of calcium from foods or supplements, especially if the zinc supplements are at high levels. If calcium supplements need to be taken, it may be advisable to omit the high zinc supplements and take lower levels. - Copper
Zinc supplements can decrease the absorption of copper from foods or supplements, especially if the zinc supplements are at high levels. High or long-term levels of zinc supplements must be taken with a copper supplement to prevent deficiency of copper and the adverse health effects associated with it. - Cortisone medications
Cortisone medications could cause any lab tests measuring zinc levels to be inaccurate. Cortisone medications should be stopped before measuring zinc levels, but only under medical supervision, as the dose of the cortisone has to be tapered off gradually - this medication cannot be stopped suddenly as it can cause very severe side effects if this happens. - Diuretics
Diuretic medications can cause low blood levels of zinc as a side effect, so zinc supplementation may be required to avoid zinc deficiency. - Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs, which are a combination of synthetic oestrogen and progesterone for women that are menopausal, may reduce zinc excretion and cause higher than normal levels of zinc in the body. Zinc supplements should not be taken by women on HRT medications.
Zinc has interactions with a number of medications and some supplements
Interactions with Medications and Supplements - Adverse (cont)
- Hydralazine
Hydralazine medication is used to treat high blood pressure. There has been at least one report of an interaction between zinc and hydralazine which resulted in a lupus-erythematosus-like syndrome (characterized by a facial butterfly rash, fever, leg and mouth ulcers, and abdominal distress) - Iron
If zinc supplements are taken at the same time as iron supplements, the zinc may decrease the body's ability to absorb the iron, especially if the zinc supplements are at very high levels. - Immunosuppressant medications
Immunosuppressant medications such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine should not be taken with zinc supplements, as zinc has immune enhancing effects and the immunosuppressant medications are used to suppress immunity. Avoid zinc supplements if taking these types of medications. - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can have reduced absorption and effectiveness if zinc supplements are taken at the same time. It is advisable to avoid taking zinc if taking NSAIDs. - Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives can lower blood levels of zinc, so women who take this type of contraceptive medication should have their zinc levels tested for deficiency. - Penicillamine
Penicillamine which is used to treat Wilson's disease (excessive levels of copper in the body) and rheumatoid arthritis, decreases zinc levels, so supplementation may be required. - Penicillin
Penicillin, an antibiotic should not be taken at the same time as zinc supplements as the zinc can decrease the absorption of penicillin and inactive some of its effectiveness. It is advisable to take zinc at least 2 hours before or after the intake of penicillin, or not take the zinc supplements at all until the course of penicillin is completed. - Progesterone
Progesterone may reduce zinc excretion and cause higher than normal levels of zinc in the body. Zinc supplements should not be taken by women taking progesterone. - Steroids
Steroids could cause any lab tests measuring zinc levels to be inaccurate. Steroids should be stopped at least three days before taking a blood test to measure zinc levels. - Tetracycline
If zinc supplements are taken at the same times as Tetracycline, an antibiotic, the zinc may decrease the amount of the Tetracycline that is absorbed and negate some of the effectiveness of the medication. If possible, take the course of Tetracycline medication without taking zinc supplements, but the zinc needs to be taken, then it should be taken at least 2 hours before or after the Tetracycline to reduce the effects of interaction.
Interactions with Medications and Supplements - Beneficial
The following are the medications and supplements that are more likely to cause a beneficial reaction with zinc supplements:
- Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an excellent vitamin to take with zinc. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant and helps zinc work better. Zinc helps with the absorption of vitamin A and increases its effectiveness.