Zinc gluconate

Absorption

Please refer to DrugBank entry Zinc

Toxicity

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation have been reported in patients ingesting zinc gluconate tablets that were dissolved in the mouth for management the common cold .
Zinc crosses the placenta and is found the cord blood and placenta. Fetal concentrations are regulated by the placenta .
For more information, refer to Please refer to DrugBank entry Zinc.
Acute: 1290 mg/kg in mouse

The Uses of Zinc gluconate

zinc gluconate helps maintain the skin in good condition and acts as a deodorant by preventing the growth of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi or yeast, in a formulation. Zinc gluconate could also be effectively used in anti-acne products.

Background

Zinc gluconate is a zinc salt of gluconic acid comprised of two gluconic acid molecules for each zinc cation (2+). Zinc gluconate is a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance by FDA . It is available as a trace mineral supplement and over the counter as a lozenge form for a reduced duration of common colds and with decreased symptom severity.
Although it has been nasally administered for treating the common cold, this route of administration has been associated with some cases of anosmia , , , .
Studies show that zinc may be better absorbed in humans in the gluconate form , , however, results from other studies may vary.
Interestingly, zinc supplementation has become a critical intervention for treating diarrheal episodes in children. Studies suggest that administration of zinc along with new low osmolarity oral rehydration solutions/salts (oral rehydration solution), may reduce both the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes for up to 12 weeks .
More information about Zinc (in its natural form) is available at Zinc.

Indications

Zinc gluconate is mainly indicated in conditions like zinc deficiency, and can also be administered in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in diarrhea .

Pharmacokinetics

Zinc is an important mineral found in almost every cell in the human body. It promotes the activity of about 100 enzymes. Zinc deficiency is often associated with an increased risk of infection. When they are used to treat the common cold, zinc supplements may interfere with rhinovirus cleavage or adhesion and may play a role in protecting plasma membranes from microbial toxins and complement .

Metabolism

Please refer to DrugBank entry Zinc