Medicine interactions with Zinc

Zinc is an important trace element for the overall health of the human body. However, when taking zinc supplements, you should be cautious about combining it with other supplements or medications. Always consult your healthcare expert before using zinc along with supplements or medications that you are currently taking. Keep in mind the following:

Be cautious with these moderate interactions:

Zinc interacts with antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics) and decreases the amount of antibiotics the body absorbs. To help avoid this interaction, take zinc supplements at least 1 hour after antibiotics. Several antibiotics that interact with zinc include:

Zinc can attach tetracyclines antibiotics in the stomach and decrease the amount of tetracyclines that can be absorbed by the body. Zinc should be taken either 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking tetracyclines to avoid negative side effects. Several tetracyclines that should not be taken with zinc are:

Cisplatin (Platinol_AQ) is used to treat cancer and should not be used along with zinc supplements. Taking zinc along with EDTA and cisplatin may increase the effects and side effects of cisplatin.

Penicillamine, used for treating Wilson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, should not be taken with zinc. Zinc supplements might decrease how much penicillamine is absorbed by the body and decrease its effectiveness.

Be watchful with these minor interactions:

Amiloride (Midamor) is used as a ?water pill? that helps remove excess water from the body and increases the amount of zinc in the body. Taking zinc supplements at the same time as Amiloride (Midamor) might cause your body to have too much zinc.