GNC Zinc 30mg – 100 Tablets

Description

Medications That Deplete Zinc

Commonly prescribed medications can reduce zinc absorption or increase the body’s excretion of zinc. If you take these medications, do not stop without first consulting with your physician. Taking a quality multivitamin with zinc should help prevent deficiency in those who use the following medications:

Acid reducers

The sale of acid-reducing medications, which block absorption of zinc and other nutrients, has become a billion-dollar industry worldwide. In 2013, prescription acid reducers generated over $10 billion in global sales.  These medications include ranitidine, famotidine, omeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

This class of medicine, also known as ACE inhibitors, are used to treat high blood pressure. Examples include lisinopril, benazepril, enalapril, captopril and ramipril. Studies suggest that routine use of this class may result in increased excretion of zinc in the urine.

Diuretics

Diuretics are a class of blood pressure medications frequently used as first-line therapy for the treatment of high blood pressure.  They include hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide, Maxzide), chlorthalidone and furosemide (Lasix).  Unfortunately, routine use can result in low blood levels of zinc, in addition to loss of potassium and magnesium.

Antibiotics

Certain antibiotics, like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and tetracycline, can interact with zinc within the intestines, resulting in its decreased absorption. If taking antibiotics, especially long-term, supplementation with zinc may be considered.