Indications
Zinc Acetate is a zinc salt with two main uses. On the skin, it is found in anti-itch lotions, creams and sprays (often with an antihistamine or calamine) to relieve itching and irritation from insect bites, minor rashes, prickly heat, poison plants and mild sunburn. Taken by mouth, it is used under medical care to treat Wilson’s disease (an inherited condition where copper builds up in the body) and as a zinc supplement or lozenge.
How It Works
On the skin, zinc acetate acts as a mild astringent: it tightens the surface tissue, dries weeping areas and forms a protective layer, which soothes itching. Taken by mouth in Wilson’s disease, zinc makes the gut lining produce a protein (metallothionein) that traps copper from food so it is passed out in the stools instead of being absorbed.
Dosage and Administration
Skin products: shake well, apply a thin layer to the itchy area 3 to 4 times a day, or as directed on the label. Do not apply to large areas, broken skin or blisters, and avoid the eyes and mouth. Oral zinc acetate for Wilson’s disease is taken only as prescribed by a specialist, on an empty stomach, with regular blood and urine tests.
Interactions
For skin products, do not use another antihistamine cream at the same time; if the product contains Diphenhydramine, avoid using it while also taking Diphenhydramine by mouth. Oral zinc reduces absorption of Tetracyclines, quinolone antibiotics and Penicillamine; iron and calcium may reduce zinc absorption. Keep a gap of at least 2 hours.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to zinc acetate or any other ingredient. Do not apply skin products to chickenpox or measles rash, or on large areas of broken skin, unless advised by a doctor.
Side Effects
Skin products may cause mild stinging, dryness or a rash at the site. Oral zinc may cause stomach upset, nausea and, with long-term high doses, copper deficiency and anaemia.
Get urgent medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing), a spreading painful rash with blisters, or, after using a product with an antihistamine over a large area, confusion, drowsiness or hallucinations, especially in children.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Zinc acetate skin products used on small areas are generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding; avoid applying to the breast before feeding. Oral zinc acetate for Wilson’s disease is continued in pregnancy under specialist care, as stopping treatment is risky.
Precautions and Warnings
Skin products are for external use only. Stop and see a doctor if itching lasts longer than 7 days, gets worse, or the skin becomes infected. Do not use on children under 2 years without medical advice. Some sprays are flammable; keep away from flames.
Overdose
Swallowing a skin product, especially one containing an antihistamine, can be dangerous for children; seek medical help immediately. Too much oral zinc can cause vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea.
Therapeutic Class
Topical astringent and antipruritic; oral zinc salt (copper-absorption blocker in Wilson’s disease).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep sprays away from heat and flames.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.