Zinc Carnosine is a chelated complex of zinc and L-carnosine, primarily used as a gastroprotective agent. It acts locally on the gastric mucosa to promote ulcer healing, protect against injury, and modulate inflammation. It is a first-line cytoprotective agent in the management of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and functional dyspepsia in India, valued for its safety and mucosal repair properties.
Adult: 75 mg twice daily (after breakfast and dinner). For acute phases, may be used for 8 weeks. For maintenance or functional dyspepsia, 4-8 weeks is typical.
Note: Tablet/Capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, after meals. Do not crush or chew. Maintain at least a 2-hour gap between taking Zinc Carnosine and tetracycline/fluoroquinolone antibiotics, iron, or calcium supplements, as zinc can impair their absorption.
Zinc Carnosine exerts a multi-targeted cytoprotective and healing action on the gastric mucosa. 1) **Direct Mucosal Protection**: The complex selectively binds to and stabilizes the mucosal lining at ulcer sites, forming a protective barrier against acid, pepsin, bile salts, and NSAID-induced injury. 2) **Enhancement of Mucosal Defense**: It upregulates the synthesis of endogenous prostaglandins (PGE2), mucus, and bicarbonate secretion. 3) **Antioxidant Activity**: Scavenges hydroxyl radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa. 4) **Anti-inflammatory Action**: Modulates cytokines (e.g., suppresses TNF-α, IL-8) and inhibits neutrophil infiltration. 5) **Promotion of Healing**: Stimulates epithelial cell proliferation and migration (re-epithelialization) via activation of growth factors like EGF and TGF-α.
Pregnancy: Category B3 (Australian categorization) / Not formally classified by US FDA. Animal studies are insufficient. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed and potential benefit justifies potential risk. Zinc is an essential nutrient, but medicinal doses should be medically supervised.
Driving: No known effects on driving ability. Dizziness is a rare side effect.
| Tetracycline antibiotics (Doxycycline, Tetracycline) | Zinc binds to tetracyclines in the GI tract, significantly reducing the absorption and efficacy of both agents. | Major |
| Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin) | Zinc chelates fluoroquinolones, markedly reducing their bioavailability and antimicrobial efficacy. | Major |
| Penicillamine | Zinc may reduce the absorption and therapeutic effect of penicillamine, used in Wilson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. | Moderate |
| Iron supplements (Ferrous sulfate) | Concurrent administration reduces absorption of both iron and zinc. Administer at least 2-3 hours apart. | Moderate |
| Calcium supplements | High doses of calcium can inhibit zinc absorption. | Moderate |
| NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) | Zinc Carnosine is protective against NSAID-induced gastropathy and is often co-prescribed. No negative pharmacokinetic interaction. | Minor (Beneficial) |