Zinc 20 mg

Category- Suppliments

Medicine Highlights

Zinc 20mg Uses 

Zing 20 mg is an oral medicine. It is used for the following indications: 

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Acid reflux) 
2. Peptic ulcer disease (painful sores in the stomach or intestine) 
3. Zinc deficiency 
4. Enhance immunity  
5. Enhance wound healing  
6. Acne  
7. Hair loss caused due to zinc deficiency 
8. Diarrhea (especially in children) 

side effects 

More Common  

1. Nausea 
2. Stomach upset 
3. Metallic taste in mouth 
4. Diarrhea 
5. Headache 

Less common

1. Vomiting  
2. Low copper levels  
3. Kidney problems  
4. Immune system suppression  
5. Anemia 

Directions for use 

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking medication without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.

How Zinc works 

Zinc works by helping the body make enzymes and proteins that control many chemical reactions. These reactions support immunity, speed up wound healing, help cells grow and repair, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormones for proper body functions.  

Interaction with Other Medicines 

Avoid taking zinc with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Interaction with Food Product 

Avoid taking zinc tablets with dairy products, high-fiber foods, calcium or iron supplements, and caffeinated drinks, as they can reduce zinc absorption. 

Storage   

1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature  
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture  
3. Keep away from the reach of children 

Intake routine/cycle 

Daily dose

Take zinc exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

Zinc

The RDA varies for each age group and condition. For adults, the requirement is about 11–12 mg of zinc per day, children need 5–8 mg per day, and pregnant women requires about 11–12 mg per day to support growth and development. 

Natural Source of Zinc

Red meats like beef and lamb are excellent sources of zinc, while poultry such as chicken and turkey also provide a good amount. Dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt offer easily absorbed zinc, and whole eggs especially the yolk contribute a small amount. Whole grains like oats, wheat, and brown rice, along with nuts and seeds such as cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, are also rich in zinc. Additionally, some cereals and flours are fortified with zinc to help meet daily requirements.

Zinc Summary 

Zinc is an essential trace mineral used to treat zinc deficiency, boost immunity, support wound healing, help with some skin problems (like acne), reduce hair loss from deficiency, shorten common cold duration, and treat diarrhea, especially in children. It is also used to treat zinc deficiency, manage diarrhea, improve appetite, and shorten the duration of common colds. Natural sources of zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, pumpkin seeds, eggs, dairy, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Zinc deficiency can cause weak immunity, slow wound healing, poor appetite, skin rashes, hair loss, and delayed growth in children.  

The recommended daily intake is 11 mg for men, 8 mg for women, 11 mg during pregnancy, and 5 mg for children aged 4–8 years. Taking too much zinc can lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, and copper deficiency. Zinc may interact with certain medications like tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, penicillamine, diuretics, iron or calcium supplements, and antacids. To use zinc safely, take it after food, avoid taking it with dairy or iron-rich foods, and do not exceed the recommended dose. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medication. 

FAQ’s

What are the uses of zinc tablets?  

Zinc tablets are used to treat zinc deficiency, boost immunity, promote wound healing, manage acne, reduce hair loss, support growth in children, treat diarrhea, improve appetite, and shorten the duration of colds. 

Can I use zinc cream for my face? 

Zinc cream is used to treat acne, reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, control oiliness, and protect the skin from sun damage and infections. It can also help heal minor cuts, rashes, and reduce redness. 

Which fruits are rich in zinc? 

Zinc-rich fruits include pomegranate, avocado, blackberries, raspberries, guava, kiwi, dates, apricots, and bananas. 

What are the benefits of zinc for the body? 

Zinc supports immunity, helps wounds heal, aids growth and development, maintains healthy skin, supports reproductive health, boosts appetite, and plays a role in enzyme and hormone function. 

What is the daily requirement of zinc? 

The RDA varies for each age group and condition. For adults, the requirement is about 11–12 mg of zinc per day, children need 5–8 mg per day, and pregnant women need about 11–12 mg per day to support growth and development. 

What are the benefits of using zinc on the skin? 

Zinc is used for the skin to control acne, reduce inflammation, heal wounds, soothe rashes, protect against sun damage, and maintain overall skin health. 

Reference

1. ZINC: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews [Internet]. Webmd.com. 2019 [cited 2025 Jul 25]. Available from 
2. Zinc: Benefits, intake, sources, deficiency, and side effects [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2017. Available from 
3. National Institutes of Health. Zinc [Internet]. Nih.gov. National Institutes of Health; 2022. Available from 

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.