Zinc gluconate 50mg tablets
Tablet
50mg
Oral
Zinc gluconate is a zinc salt of gluconic acid comprised of two gluconic acid molecules for each zinc cation (2+).
Active ingredients:
Zinc gluconate
1 safety notice
Safety information for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Fetal concentrations are regulated by the placenta [L2084].
Always consult your doctor or midwife before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Source: DrugBank (CC BY-NC 4.0).
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Source: MHRA Products DatabaseOGL 3.0
Updated 3 months ago(16 Jan 2026)Safety monitoring data
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Zinc gluconate
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Clinical guidelines and formulary information
British National Formulary
Zinc gluconate
BNF
Drug monograph — bnf.nice.org.ukSource: British National Formulary, NICE. Joint Formulary Committee. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF codes from NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
None known
Half-life
280 days
Mechanism
Although the mechanism of action is not completely known, zinc supplementation m…
Food interactions
3 warnings
Human targets
None mapped
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
Please refer to DrugBank entry DB01593
Half-life
280 days
280 days [L2091]
Protein binding
Please refer to DrugBank entry DB01593
Volume of distribution
Stored primarily in skeletal muscle and bone .
[L2086]
[L2086]
Metabolism
Please refer to DrugBank entry DB01593
Elimination
Feces and urine [L2086]
Clearance
Please refer to DrugBank entry DB01593
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Status:
Approved
Investigational
Vet approved
Small molecule
About this compound
Zinc gluconate is a zinc salt of gluconic acid comprised of two gluconic acid molecules for each zinc cation (2+). Zinc gluconate is a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance by FDA [L2081]. It is available as a trace mineral supplement and over the counter as a lozenge form for a reduced duration of common colds and with decreased symptom severity.
Although it has been nasally administered for treating the common cold, this route of administration has been associated with some cases of anosmia [A32414], [A32409], [A32410], [L2080].
Studies show that zinc may be better absorbed in humans in the gluconate form [A32412], [L2105], however, results from other studies may vary.[A27280][L2082]
Interestingly, zinc supplementation has become a critical intervention for treating diarrheal episodes in children. Studies suggest that administration of zinc along with new low osmolarity oral rehydration solutions/salts (oral rehydration solution), may reduce both the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes for up to 12 weeks [L422].
More information about Zinc (in its natural form) is available at DB01593.
Although it has been nasally administered for treating the common cold, this route of administration has been associated with some cases of anosmia [A32414], [A32409], [A32410], [L2080].
Studies show that zinc may be better absorbed in humans in the gluconate form [A32412], [L2105], however, results from other studies may vary.[A27280][L2082]
Interestingly, zinc supplementation has become a critical intervention for treating diarrheal episodes in children. Studies suggest that administration of zinc along with new low osmolarity oral rehydration solutions/salts (oral rehydration solution), may reduce both the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes for up to 12 weeks [L422].
More information about Zinc (in its natural form) is available at DB01593.
Properties:
solid
Avg. mass: 455.67 Da
DrugBank indication
Zinc gluconate is mainly indicated in conditions like zinc deficiency, and can also be administered in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in diarrhea .
[L2088]
[L2088]
Also known as(1)
Zinc gluconate
Dosage forms(47)
Powder, for solution (Oral)
Capsule (Oral) — 50 mg/1
Tablet, film coated (Oral) — 10 mg/1
Tablet, film coated (Oral) — 20 mg/1
Tablet (Oral) — 75 mg / tab
Tablet (Oral) — 25 mg / tab
Tablet, coated (Oral)
Capsule, gelatin coated (Oral)
Molecular properties(19)
Drug interactions(62)
Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Eltrombopag
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Eltrombopag resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Raltegravir
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Raltegravir resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Ceftibuten
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Ceftibuten resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Cephalexin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Cephalexin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Deferiprone
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Deferiprone resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Dolutegravir
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Dolutegravir resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Deferasirox
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Deferasirox resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Halofantrine
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Halofantrine resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Triethylenetetramine
Unknown severity
The serum concentration of Triethylenetetramine can be decreased when it is combined with Zinc gluconate.
Moxifloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Moxifloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Grepafloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Grepafloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Enoxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Pefloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Pefloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Ciprofloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Ciprofloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Trovafloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Trovafloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Nalidixic acid
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Nalidixic acid resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Rosoxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Cinoxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Lomefloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Lomefloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Gatifloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Gatifloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Norfloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Norfloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Levofloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Levofloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Gemifloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Gemifloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Ofloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Sparfloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Sparfloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Temafloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Temafloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Fleroxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Fleroxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Technetium Tc-99m ciprofloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Garenoxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Garenoxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Nemonoxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Nemonoxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Flumequine
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Flumequine resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Enrofloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Enrofloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Orbifloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Orbifloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Sarafloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Sarafloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Difloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Difloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Pazufloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Pazufloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Prulifloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Prulifloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Delafloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Delafloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Sitafloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Sitafloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Oxolinic acid
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Oxolinic acid resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Rufloxacin
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Rufloxacin resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Pipemidic acid
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Pipemidic acid resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Lymecycline
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Lymecycline resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Clomocycline
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Clomocycline resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Tigecycline
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Tigecycline resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Oxytetracycline
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Oxytetracycline resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Demeclocycline
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Demeclocycline resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Tetracycline
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Tetracycline resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Metacycline
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Metacycline resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Minocycline
Moderate
Zinc gluconate can cause a decrease in the absorption of Minocycline resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.
Showing 50 of 62 interactions
Food & lifestyle interactions
Advice
Avoid milk and dairy products. Separate the use of zinc from these products by at least 2 hours before administration. Separate for 2 hours after administration if these products also contain phosphorus.
Advice
Do not take with bran and high fiber foods. For optimal absorption, take zinc at least 2 hours before or after eating high-fiber foods.
Empty Stomach
Take on an empty stomach. Take at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after eating for optimal absorption. Zinc can be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Toxicity & overdose
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation have been reported in patients ingesting zinc gluconate tablets that were dissolved in the mouth for management the common cold .
[L2084]
Zinc crosses the placenta and is found the cord blood and placenta. Fetal concentrations are regulated by the placenta .
[L2084]
For more information, refer to Please refer to DrugBank entry DB01593.
Acute: 1290 mg/kg in mouse [L2085]
[L2084]
Zinc crosses the placenta and is found the cord blood and placenta. Fetal concentrations are regulated by the placenta .
[L2084]
For more information, refer to Please refer to DrugBank entry DB01593.
Acute: 1290 mg/kg in mouse [L2085]
How it works
Mechanism of action
Although the mechanism of action is not completely known, zinc supplementation may be used to increase immunity against viruses or may interfere with the replication of certain viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) [L2080].
Pharmacodynamics
Zinc is an important mineral found in almost every cell in the human body. It promotes the activity of about 100 enzymes. Zinc deficiency is often associated with an increased risk of infection. When they are used to treat the common cold, zinc supplements may interfere with rhinovirus cleavage or adhesion and may play a role in protecting plasma membranes from microbial toxins and complement [L2086].
Pharmacokinetics
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
Absorption
Please refer to DrugBank entry DB01593
Half-life
280 days [L2091]
Protein binding
Please refer to DrugBank entry DB01593
Volume of distribution
Stored primarily in skeletal muscle and bone .
[L2086]
[L2086]
Metabolism
Please refer to DrugBank entry DB01593
Route of elimination
Feces and urine [L2086]
Clearance
Please refer to DrugBank entry DB01593
Scientific references(6)
Marshall S.
Zinc Gluconate Lozenges for Treating the Common Cold in Children.
Journal of the American Medical Association
1998279(24):1962. doi: 10.1001/jama.279.24.1962
Farr B.M., Conner E.M., Betts R.F., Oleske J., Minnefor A., Gwaltney JM Jr
Two randomized controlled trials of zinc gluconate lozenge therapy of experimentally induced rhinovirus colds.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
198731(8):1183-1187. doi: 10.1128/aac.31.8.1183
McElroy B.H., Miller S.P.
Effectiveness of Zinc Gluconate Glycine Lozenges (Cold-Eeze) Against the Common Cold in School-Aged Subjects: A Retrospective Chart Review.
American Journal of Therapeutics
20029(6):472-475. doi: 10.1097/00045391-200211000-00002
Siepmann M., Spank S., Kluge A., Schappach A., Kirch W.
The pharmacokinetics of zinc from zinc gluconate: a comparison with zinc oxide in healthy men.
International
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 200543(12):562-565. doi: 10.5414/cpp43562
Heckmann S.M., Hujoel P., Habiger S., Friess W., Wichmann M., Heckmann J.G., Hummel T.
Zinc gluconate in the treatment of dysgeusia--a randomized clinical trial.
Journal Dent Research
2005 Jan84(1):35-8. doi: 10.1177/154405910508400105
Wegmuller R., Tay F., Zeder C., Brnic M., Hurrell R.F.
Zinc absorption by young adults from supplemental zinc citrate is comparable with that from zinc gluconate and higher than from zinc oxide.
Journal Nutr
2014 Feb144(2):132-6. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.181487. Epub 2013 Nov 20
ATC classification(2 codes)
ATC C05AX04
ATC A12CB02
Affected organisms(1)
Humans and other mammals
Salt forms(1)
Zinc gluconate trihydrate(DBSALT002891)
Experimental properties(1)
Commercial products(150)
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
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Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Zinc gluconate
DrugBank citations
If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite the following publications:
Knox C., Wilson M., Klinger C.M., et al
DrugBank 6.
0: the DrugBank Knowledgebase for 2024
Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Jan 552(D1):D1265-D1275
Wishart D.S., Feunang Y.D., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank 5.
0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018
Nucleic Acids Res. 2017 Nov 846(D1):D1074-D1082
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Law V., Knox C., Djoumbou Y., et al
DrugBank 4.
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Nucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jan 142(1):D1091-7
Knox C., Law V., Jewison T., et al
DrugBank 3.
0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan39(Database issue):D1035-41
Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets.
Nucleic Acids Research
2008 Jan36(Database issue):D901-6
Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.
Nucleic Acids Research
2006 Jan 134(Database issue):D668-72
Source: go.drugbank.comCC BY-NC 4.0
Updated 26 days ago(8 Mar 2026)