Zinc 50 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NaturesPlus
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Zinc 50 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Zinc 50 mg is a dietary supplement by NaturesPlus with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for zinc deficiency, immune support, cold symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 67 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Zinc. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus contains one active ingredient: zinc itself. The tablet also holds several inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, stearic acid, silica, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate, and pharmaceutical glaze — which are standard binders and fillers that help form and protect the tablet.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Zinc is effective for treating true zinc deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease (a rare genetic disorder affecting copper storage). The evidence is less robust for other uses in this product: acne, acrodermatitis enteropathica, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetes all carry a "possibly effective" rating, meaning the data suggests a potential benefit but isn't yet strong enough to be certain.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Zinc is well tolerated in doses below 40 mg daily for adults. This product is 50 mg per dose — above that upper limit — so it should only be taken as directed and ideally under medical supervision, especially long-term.
The most common side effects from oral zinc are stomach cramps, diarrhea, a metallic taste, and nausea or vomiting, which tend to be dose-related. There's also a concern that high daily doses over a long period might lead to copper deficiency, potentially causing anemia and low white blood cell count; some doctors give a small copper supplement alongside high-dose zinc to prevent that.
The product facts provided do not include pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data for this ingredient.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before you start, check with your pharmacist if you take quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin), tetracycline antibiotics (like doxycycline), cephalexin, penicillamine, ritonavir, or any integrase inhibitor HIV medications — zinc reduces their absorption and effectiveness. Space doses by at least 2–4 hours.
If you're on cisplatin chemotherapy, talk to your oncologist first. No interactions are documented for the inactive ingredients we could check.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product makes sense if you have a documented zinc deficiency or Wilson disease and your doctor has recommended supplementation. If you take antibiotics, HIV medications, or chemotherapy, check with your pharmacist first — zinc can interfere with how these drugs work.
Because this dose exceeds the standard safe upper limit, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you and how long to take it.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2023.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Zinc 50 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NaturesPlus |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 097467036451 |
| Net contents | 90 Tablet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Oct 24, 2023 |
| DSLD ID | 298844 |
| Product type | Mineral |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc | 50 mg | 455% |
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Pharmaceutical Glaze
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula
Zinc is essential for health and found in cells throughout the body. It promotes healthy growth and repair in all organs of the body and helps the immune system perform its critical role in defending the body. Zinc also supports protein synthesis, bone and collagen formation and the protection and production of DNA. Needed throughout all phases of life, including pregnancy, zinc promotes wound healing, blood clotting and thyroid function. It is also important for the proper senses of taste and smell.
Formulation
Free from artificial colors and artificial preservatives.
Immune Support
Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Precautions
Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Keep out of reach of children.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: One tablet daily.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Copyright Natural Organics
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.
Zinc
Interacts with67 drugs
Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...
Zinc monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Pharmaceutical Glaze. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus does interact with a number of medications — specifically, it can reduce how well certain antibiotics and antiretroviral drugs work.
The most serious documented interactions are Moderate in severity. Zinc binds to quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin) in your gut, which lowers the antibiotic levels and reduces its effectiveness.
You'll want to take quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after your zinc dose.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Zinc also interacts with tetracycline antibiotics and cephalexin in similar ways — it reduces how much of these antibiotics your body absorbs, which can cut their effectiveness by a meaningful amount. Penicillamine (used for Wilson disease and arthritis) is affected too.
Additionally, if you take HIV medications like ritonavir or integrase inhibitors such as dolutegravir or bictegravir-based combinations, zinc may lower their blood levels by binding to them in your stomach.
One other medication to flag: cisplatin (a chemotherapy drug) — while the concern is theoretical based on animal data, zinc might interfere with how it works, so talk to your oncologist before adding zinc if you're on cisplatin.
Altogether, these interactions span 65 individual medications. Use the medication checker on this page to see if any of your prescriptions are affected, and give your pharmacist or doctor at least a few hours' separation between your zinc dose and any of these drugs.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Zinc 50 mg?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Zinc 50 mg interact with 67 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Zinc 50 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Zinc
Amphotericin, TetracyclineMysteclin-F
How Amphotericin, Tetracycline interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Amphotericin, Tetracycline interactionBictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir AlafenamideBiktarvy
How Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Read the full Zinc + Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionBismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, TetracyclineHelidac
How Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, Tetracycline interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Bismuth Subsalicylate, Metronidazole, Tetracycline interactionCephalexinCephalex, Keflex, Keftab, Lexin
How Cephalexin interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincCephalexin (keflex) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
Read the full Zinc + Cephalexin interactionChlortetracyclineAureomycin
How Chlortetracycline interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Chlortetracycline interactionCinoxacinCinobac
How Cinoxacin interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Cinoxacin interactionCiprofloxacinCiloxan, Cipro, Cipro IV, Cipro XR, Ciprobay, Otiprio
How Ciprofloxacin interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Ciprofloxacin interactionCisplatinPlatinol-AQ
How Cisplatin interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincCisplatin (platinol-aq) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Read the full Zinc + Cisplatin interactionClinafloxacinClinafloxacin
How Clinafloxacin interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Clinafloxacin interactionCobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide FumarateGenvoya
How Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Read the full Zinc + Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interactionDarunavir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir AlafenamideSymtuza
How Darunavir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Read the full Zinc + Darunavir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionDarunavir, RitonavirDarunavir, Ritonavir
How Darunavir, Ritonavir interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincRitonavir (norvir) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Read the full Zinc + Darunavir, Ritonavir interactionDasabuvir Sodium, Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, RitonavirViekira XR
How Dasabuvir Sodium, Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincRitonavir (norvir) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Read the full Zinc + Dasabuvir Sodium, Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir interactionDemeclocyclineDeclomycin
How Demeclocycline interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Demeclocycline interactionDolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir AlafenamideDolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide
How Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Read the full Zinc + Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionDoripenemDoribax
How Doripenem interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincQuinolone Antibiotics, Tetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Doripenem interactionDoxycyclineDoryx, Doxy, Doxy-D, Doxycin, Doxycycline Injection, Doxylin +6 more
How Doxycycline interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Doxycycline interactionDoxycycline HyclateActiclate, Acticlate Cap, Lymepak
How Doxycycline Hyclate interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Doxycycline Hyclate interactionDoxycycline MonohydrateErfacea
How Doxycycline Monohydrate interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Doxycycline Monohydrate interactionDoxycylineDoxychel
How Doxycyline interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Doxycyline interactionElvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil FumarateStribild
How Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Read the full Zinc + Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate interactionEmtricitabineEmtriva
How Emtricitabine interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Read the full Zinc + Emtricitabine interactionEmtricitabine, Rilpivirine, TenofovirComplera
How Emtricitabine, Rilpivirine, Tenofovir interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Read the full Zinc + Emtricitabine, Rilpivirine, Tenofovir interactionEmtricitabine, Rilpivirine, Tenofovir AlafenamideOdefsey
How Emtricitabine, Rilpivirine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Read the full Zinc + Emtricitabine, Rilpivirine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionEmtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide FumarateDescovy
How Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincBictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Read the full Zinc + Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interactionEnoxacinPenetrex
How Enoxacin interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Enoxacin interactionEravacyclineXerava
How Eravacycline interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Eravacycline interactionFinafloxacinXtoro
How Finafloxacin interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Finafloxacin interactionGatifloxacinTequin, Tequin Injection
How Gatifloxacin interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Gatifloxacin interactionGemifloxacinFactive
How Gemifloxacin interacts with Zinc 50 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
ZincQuinolone Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Read the full Zinc + Gemifloxacin interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Zinc 50 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Zinc
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)
Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.
Cephalexin (Keflex)
Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)
Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.
Integrase Inhibitors
Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)
Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.
Quinolone Antibiotics
Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.
Ritonavir (Norvir)
Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.
Tetracycline Antibiotics
Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.
Amiloride (Midamor)
Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.
Atazanavir (Reyataz)
Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Zinc 50 mg, from the product label.
NaturesPlus
See all NaturesPlus products- Name
- Natural Organics Laboratories, Inc. makers of Nature's Plus
- Street Address
- 9500 New Horizons Blvd
- City
- Amityville
- State
- New York
- ZipCode
- 11701
- Web Address
- www.naturesplus.com
Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus: Common Questions
Does Zinc 50 mg by NaturesPlus interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Is 50 mg of zinc too much?
What side effects might I notice?
Does this really work for acne or macular degeneration?
I'm on an antibiotic. Can I take this at the same time?
What's in the tablet besides zinc?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Zinc 50 mg is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Zinc 50 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Zinc 50 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 88 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Zinc 88 references
- Barceloux DG. Zinc. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:279-92.
- Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1984;25:20-4. DOI
- Smith DS, Helzner EC, Nuttall CE Jr, et al. Failure of zinc gluconate in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:646-8. PubMed
- Blondeau JM. Expanded activity and utility of the new fluoroquinolones: a review. Clin Ther 1999;21:3-40. PubMed
- Reyes AJ, Olhaberry JV, Leary WP, et al. Urinary zinc excretion, diuretics, zinc deficiency and some side-effects of diuretics. S Afr Med J 1983;64:936-41.
- Kugelmas M. Preliminary observation: oral zinc sulfate replacement is effective in treating muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:13-5. PubMed
- Hebel SK, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 52nd ed. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
- Chan S, Gerson B, Subramaniam S. The role of copper, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc in nutrition and health. Clin Lab Med 1998;18:673-85. DOI
- Brewer GJ, Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan V, Johnson V, et al. Treatment of Wilson's disease with zinc: XI. Interaction with other anticopper agents. J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:26-30. PubMed
- Fosmire GJ. Zinc toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;51:225-7.
- Lomaestro BM, Bailie GR. Absorption interactions with fluoroquinolones. 1995 update. Drug Saf 1995;12:314-33. PubMed
- Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
- Seelig MS. Auto-immune complications of D-penicillamine - A possible result of zinc and magnesium depletion and of pyridoxine inactivation. J Am Coll Nutr 1982;1:207-14. PubMed
- Neuvonen PJ. Interactions with the absorption of tetracyclines. Drugs 1976;11:45-54.. PubMed
- Hirt M, Nobel S, Barron E. Zinc nasal gel for the treatment of common cold symptoms: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ear Nose Throat J 2000;79:778-82.. DOI
- Simkin PA. Oral zinc sulphate in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 1976;2:539-42. PubMed
- Wray D. A double-blind trial of systemic zinc sulfate in recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1982;53:469-72. PubMed
- Douglas RM, Miles HB, Moore BW, et al. Failure of effervescent zinc acetate lozenges to alter the course of upper respiratory tract infections in Australian adults. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1987;31:1263-5. PubMed
- Lagiou P, Wuu J, Trichopoulou A, et al. Diet and benign prostatic hyperplasia: a study in Greece. Urology 1999;54:284-90. PubMed
- Ewing CI, Gibbs AC, Ashcroft C, David TJ. Failure of oral zinc supplementation in atopic eczema. Eur J Clin Nutr 1991;45:507-10.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
- Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss. AREDS report no. 8. Arch Oph
- Greenberg JE, Lynn M, Kirsner RS, et al. Mucocutaneous pigmented macule as a result of zinc deposition. J Cutan Pathol 2002;29:613-5. PubMed
- Godfrey HR, Godfrey NJ, Godfrey JC, Riley D. A randomized clinical trial on the treatment of oral herpes with topical zinc oxide/glycine. Altern Ther Health Med 2001;7:49-56.
- Turner RB. Ineffectiveness of intranasal zinc gluconate for prevention of experimental rhinovirus colds. Clin Infect Dis 2001;33:1865-70. PubMed
- Belongia EA, Berg R, Liu K. A randomized trial of zinc nasal spray for the treatment of upper respiratory illness in adults. Am J Med 2001;111:103-8. PubMed
- Mossad SB. Effect of zincum gluconicum nasal gel on the duration and symptom severity of the common cold in otherwise healthy adults. QJM 2003;96:35-43. DOI
- Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Wu K, et al. Zinc supplement use and risk of prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003;95:1004-7.. PubMed
- Jafek BW, Linschoten M, Murrow BW. Zicam Induced Anosmia. American Rhinologic Society 49th Annual Fall Scientific Meeting abstract. Orlando, Florida. September 20, 2003. http://app.american-rhinologic.org/programs/2003ARSFallProgram071503.pdf (Accessed 24
- Uebayashi H, Hatanaka T, Kanemura F, Tonosaki K. Acute anosmia in the mouse: behavioral discrimination among the four basic taste substances. Physiol Behav 2001;72:291-6.. PubMed
- Barrett S. Zicam Marketers Sued. United States District Court Western District of Michigan Southern Division, Filed October 14, 2003, Case No. 4:03CV0146.
- Bilici M, Yildirim F, Kandil S, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zinc sulfate in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2004;28:181-90.. PubMed
- Polk RE, Healy DP, Sahai J, et al. Effect of ferrous sulfate and multivitamins with zinc on absorption of ciprofloxacin in normal volunteers. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:1841-4. PubMed
- Mery C, Delrieu F, Ghozlan R, et al. Controlled trial of D-penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis. Dose effect and the role of zinc. Scand J Rheumatol 1976;5:241-7. PubMed
- Penttila O, Hurme H, Neuvonen PJ. Effect of zinc sulfate on the absorption of tetracycline and doxycycline in man. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1975;9:131-4.
- Kondo Y, Yamagata K, Satoh M, et al. Optimal administration schedule of cisplatin for bladder tumor with minimal induction of metallothionein. J Urol 2003;170:2467-70. PubMed
- Doz F, Berens ME, Deschepper CF, et al. Experimental basis for increasing the therapeutic index of cis-diamminedicarboxylatocyclobutaneplatinum(II) in brain tumor therapy by a high-zinc diet. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 1992;29:219-26.
- Wester PO. Urinary zinc excretion during treatment with different diuretics. Acta Med Scand 1980;208:209-12. PubMed
- Golik A, Modai D, Weissgarten J, et al. Hydrochlorothiazide-amiloride causes excessive urinary zinc excretion. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1987;42:42-4. PubMed
- Leary WP, Reyes AJ, Van der Byl K. Urinary magnesium and zinc excretion after two different single doses of amiloride in healthy adults. Curr Ther Res 1983;34:205-16.
- McBride K, Slotnick B, Margolis FL. Does intranasal application of zinc sulfate produce anosmia in the mouse? An olfactometric and anatomical study. Chem Senses 2003;28:659-70. PubMed
- Burd GD. Morphological study of the effects of intranasal zinc sulfate irrigation on the mouse olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb. Microsc Res Tech 1993;24:195-213. PubMed
- Ducray A, Bondier JR, Michel G, et al. Recovery following peripheral destruction of olfactory neurons in young and adult mice. Eur J Neurosci 2002;15:1907-17. PubMed
- Mayer AD, Rosenblatt JS. Peripheral olfactory deafferentation of the primary olfactory system in rats using ZnSO4 nasal spray with special reference to maternal behavior. Physiol Behav 1993;53:587-92. PubMed
- DeCook CA, Hirsch AR. Anosmia due to inhalational zinc: a case report (abstract). Chem Senses 2000;25:659.
- Tisdall FF, Brown A, Defries RD. Persistent anosmia following zinc sulfate nasal spraying. JPed 1938;18:60-2. DOI
- Lawson KA, Wright ME, Subar A, et al. Multivitamin use and risk of prostate cancer in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007;99:754-64. PubMed
- Public Health Advisory. Loss of sense of smell with intranasal cold remedies containing zinc. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, June 16, 2009. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PublicHealthAdvisories/ucm166059.htm (Accessed 16 June 2009)
- Dooren JC. FDA warns against use of Zicam. The Wall Street Journal, June 16, 2009. Available at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124516778692319231.html#mod=djemHL?mg=com-wsj (Accessed 16 June 2009).
- Alexander TH, Davidson TM. Intranasal zinc and anosmia: the zinc-induced anosmia syndrome. Laryngoscope 2006;116:217-20.
- Health Canada / GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. Association of long-term, excessive use of zinc-containing Poli-Grip products with myeloneuropathy and blood dyscrasias. February 18, 2010. Available at: http://hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/alt_formats/pdf/medef
- GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Advisory. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) warns about a potential health risk associated with long-term, excessive use of GSK's zinc-containing denture adhesives Super Polygrip Original, Ultra Fresh and Extra Care. February 18, 2010. Availa
- Science M, Johnstone J, Roth DE, et al. Zinc for the treatment of the common cold: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. CMAJ 2012;184:E551-61. PubMed
- Castilla-Higuero, L., Romero-Gomez, M., Suarez, E., and Castro, M. Acute hepatitis after starting zinc therapy in a patient with presymptomatic Wilson's disease. Hepatology 2000;32(4 Pt 1):877. PubMed
- Sharquie, K. E., Najim, R. A., Farjou, I. B., and Al Timimi, D. J. Oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis. Clin.Exp.Dermatol. 2001;26(1):21-26. PubMed
- Dreno, B., Moyse, D., Alirezai, M., Amblard, P., Auffret, N., Beylot, C., Bodokh, I., Chivot, M., Daniel, F., Humbert, P., Meynadier, J., and Poli, F. Multicenter randomized comparative double-blind controlled clinical trial of the safety and efficacy of
- Moore, R. Bleeding gastric erosion after oral zinc sulphate. Br.Med J 3-25-1978;1(6115):754. PubMed
- Jafek, B. W., Linschoten, M. R., and Murrow, B. W. Anosmia after intranasal zinc gluconate use. Am J Rhinol. 2004;18(3):137-141. DOI
- Simonart, T. and de, Maertelaer, V. Systemic treatments for cutaneous warts: a systematic review. J Dermatolog.Treat. 2012;23(1):72-77. PubMed
- Cochran, R. J., Tucker, S. B., and Flannigan, S. A. Topical zinc therapy for acne vulgaris. Int.J Dermatol. 1985;24(3):188-190. DOI
- Morgan, A. A. Bleeding gastric erosion after oral zinc sulphate. Br.Med.J. 5-13-1978;1(6122):1283-1284. PubMed
- Murphy, J. V. Intoxication following ingestion of elemental zinc. JAMA 6-22-1970;212(12):2119-2120.
- Lang, C. J., Rabas-Kolominsky, P., Engelhardt, A., Kobras, G., and Konig, H. J. Fatal deterioration of Wilson's disease after institution of oral zinc therapy. Arch Neurol. 1993;50(10):1007-1008. PubMed
- Fjellner, B. Drug-induced lupus erythematosus aggravated by oral zinc therapy. Acta Derm.Venereol. 1979;59(4):368-370. DOI
- Varas Lorenzo, M. J. Zinc acexamate and ranitidine in the short- and mid-term management of gastroduodenal ulcers. Curr Ther Res 21986;39:19-29.
- Bosch, F. and Jimenez, E. Post-marketing surveillance of zinc acexamate in peptic ulcer treatment. Clin Trials J 1990;27:301-312.
- DeCook, C. A. and Hirsch, A. R. Anosmia due to inhalational zinc: a case report (abstract). Chem Senses 2000;25:659.
- Crown LA, May JA. Zinc toxicity: denture adhesives, bone marrow failure and polyneuropathy. Tenn Med. 2012 Feb;105(2):39-40, 42.
- Dadamio J, Van Tournout M, Teughels W, Dekeyser C, Coucke W, Quirynen M. Efficacy of different mouthrinse formulations in reducing oral malodour: a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Periodontol. 2013 May;40(5):505-13. PubMed
- Moyle G, Else L, Jackson A, Back D, Yapa MH, Seymour N, Ringner-Nackter L, Karolia Z, Gazzard B, Boffito M. Coadministration of atazanavir-ritonavir and zinc sulfate: impact on hyperbilirubinemia and pharmacokinetics. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2013 Aug PubMed
- Zittel S, Ufer F, Gerloff C, Münchau A, Rosenkranz M. Severe myelopathy after denture cream use--is copper deficiency or excess zinc the cause? Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2014 Jun;121:17-8. PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents: Drug Interactions between Integrase Inhibitors and Other Drugs. AIDSinfo. July 14, 2016. Available at: https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/1/adult-and-adolescen
- Ding Y, Jia YY, Li F, et al. The effect of staggered administration of zinc sulfate on the pharmacokinetics of oral cephalexin. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2012 Mar;73(3):422-7. PubMed
- Fallah R, Sabbaghzadegan S, Karbasi SA, Binesh F. Efficacy of zinc sulfate supplement on febrile seizure recurrence prevention in children with normal serum zinc level: A randomised clinical trial. Nutrition. 2015;31(11-12):1358-61. PubMed
- Lazzerini M, Wanzira H. Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;12:CD005436. PubMed
- Mahmoud AM, Al-Alem U, Dabbous F, et al. Zinc intake and risk of prostate cancer: Case-control study and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2016;11(11):e0165956. PubMed
- Nagraj SK, George RP, Shetty N, Levenson D, Ferraiolo DM, Shrestha A. Interventions for managing taste disturbances. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Dec 20;12(12):CD010470. PubMed
- Yee BE, Richards P, Sui JY, Marsch AF. Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dermatol Ther. 2020:e14252. PubMed
- Janyajirawong R, Vilaichone RK, Sethasine S. Efficacy of zinc supplement in minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A prospective, randomized controlled study (Zinc-MHE Trial). Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021;22(9):2879-2887. PubMed
- Nakano M, Nakamura Y, Miyazaki A, Takahashi J. Zinc pharmacotherapy for elderly osteoporotic patients with zinc deficiency in a clinical setting. Nutrients 2021;13(6):1814. PubMed
- Tolino E, Skroza N, Mambrin A, et al. An open-label study comparing oral zinc to lymecycline in the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2021;14(5):56-58.
- Hunter J, Arentz S, Goldenberg J, et al. Zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections in adults: a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2021;11(11):e047474. PubMed
- Yamazaki K, Kageyama H, Fujiyama T, Ito T, Urano S, Honda T. A case of systemic contact dermatitis due to zinc supplements. Int J Dermatol 2022. PubMed
- Magham K, Han J, Eilbert W, Bunney EB. Severe copper deficiency anemia caused by zinc supplement use. Am J Emerg Med 2023;72:222. PubMed
- Sivakumar RR, Chinnaiah Govindareddy D, Sahoo J, Bobby Z, Chinnakali P. Effect of daily zinc supplementation for 12 weeks on serum thyroid auto-antibody levels in children and adolescents with autoimmune thyroiditis - a randomized controlled trial. J Pedi PubMed
- AlDhasee O, AlMalki H, AlKharashi N, AlJeraisy N, Al Deeb M. Acute zinc sulfate overdose: clinical presentation and management. BMJ Case Rep 2025;18(1):e263899. PubMed
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Biktarvy Prescribing Information. October 2024. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/210251Orig1s020lbl.pdf. Accessed July 16, 2025.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC