What is zinc?
Zinc is a mineral agent used to treat nutritional zinc deficiency, liver problems due to copper (copper hepatopathies), hepatic fibrosis, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), and zinc-responsive skin diseases in cats and dogs.
It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully, as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label. Zinc supplements come in many forms — check with your veterinarian to ensure you are giving the correct form.
How do I give my pet zinc?
- Zinc comes in capsule, tablet, and injectable forms.
- Capsules and tablets are given orally (by mouth).
- The injectable form is given intravenously (into the vein) or intra-muscularly (into the muscle) by your veterinarian.
- Ideally, give oral forms on an empty stomach. If your pet vomits or acts sick after receiving the drug on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian.
- Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears that your pet is feeling better.
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days, although outward effects may not be seen immediately.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Are there any potential side effects?
Zinc may cause the following side effects:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Serious adverse reactions may occur. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving zinc and contact your veterinarian immediately:
- An allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face
Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This long-acting medication should stop working within several days, though effects may be prolonged in pets with kidney and/or liver disease.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
DO NOT USE zinc in:
- Pets that are allergic to any component
USE WITH CAUTION in:
- Pets with copper deficiency
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Several medications should be used with caution when given with zinc:
- Cephalexin, oxytetracycline, penicillamine
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., enrofloxacin)
- Oral polyvalent cations (e.g., alendronate)
- Medications or supplements that contain calcium, iron, aluminum, or magnesium
- Molidustat
- Remifentanil
- Trientine
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
- Baseline and periodic blood complete blood count (CBC) and blood zinc levels will be measured. Your veterinarian may also check other blood work.
- At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any occur, stop using the medication and contact your veterinarian.
How do I store zinc?
- Store the medication in a tight container according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Protect from light, humidity, and moisture.
- Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.
