Zinc

Mineral
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Zinc is a mineral found in 4 medicines sold in India, such as Zincovit, Calcimax Forte, Keraglo Men. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: zinc sulphate

What it is used for

Supports immunity, wound healing and growth; given with ORS in children's diarrhoea.

How it works

A mineral needed for immunity, skin healing and growth; with ORS it shortens diarrhoea in children.

How to take it

Children with diarrhoea: 10 to 20 mg a day for 10 to 14 days. Adults usually 10 to 25 mg a day with food.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Metallic taste
  • Stomach upset

Get medical help straight away if

Numbness or anaemia from long high-dose use (copper deficiency)

Be careful

Can cause nausea on an empty stomach.

Other medicines and interactions

Reduces absorption of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics; separate by 2 to 4 hours. Iron and zinc compete with each other.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Normal doses are fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Combination medicines that contain Zinc (4)

Calcimax ForteCobadex CZSKeraglo MenZincovit

Common questions

What is Zinc used for?

Supports immunity, wound healing and growth; given with ORS in children's diarrhoea.

How does Zinc work?

A mineral needed for immunity, skin healing and growth; with ORS it shortens diarrhoea in children.

How should I take Zinc?

Children with diarrhoea: 10 to 20 mg a day for 10 to 14 days. Adults usually 10 to 25 mg a day with food.

What are the side effects of Zinc?

Common: Nausea, metallic taste, stomach upset. Get help straight away for: Numbness or anaemia from long high-dose use (copper deficiency).

Does Zinc interact with other medicines?

Reduces absorption of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics; separate by 2 to 4 hours. Iron and zinc compete with each other.

Is Zinc safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Normal doses are fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does Zinc need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Zinc?

Calcimax Forte, Cobadex CZS, Keraglo Men, Zincovit.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.