Interactions

A zinc supplement taken by mouth may lead to problems if you're taking the following medicines:

• Antibiotics. Taking a zinc supplement by mouth while you're taking quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics can hinder the antibiotics' ability to fight bacteria. Taking the antibiotic two hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking zinc can lower this effect.
• Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen). Taking a zinc supplement by mouth with the rheumatoid arthritis medicine penicillamine can lower penicillamine's ability to ease arthritis symptoms. Taking zinc at least one hour before or one hour after taking penicillamine can lower this effect.

Talk with your healthcare professional before you start taking a zinc supplement to make sure it's right for you.