There are differences between zinc gluconate and zinc glycyrrhizinate in terms of composition, properties, applicable populations, adverse reactions, etc. The details are as follows:
I. Composition and Properties
Zinc gluconate: Its main component is zinc gluconate, which is an organic zinc compound. It is easily soluble in water and has relatively stable properties.
Zinc glycyrrhizinate: Its main component is zinc glycyrrhizinate, which is a complex formed by the combination of zinc ions and glycyrrhizic acid. Glycyrrhizic acid is an effective component extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine licorice. Therefore, zinc glycyrrhizinate has some characteristics of both zinc and licorice. It has good solubility in water.
II. Applicable Populations
Zinc gluconate: It is suitable for people with zinc deficiency of all ages, especially for those with high zinc requirements such as children, pregnant women, and lactating women. It has a good taste and is easily accepted by children, and it is often the preferred drug for children to supplement zinc.
Zinc glycyrrhizinate: In addition to being suitable for zinc deficiency, it is also suitable for symptoms such as anorexia, pica, and poor growth and development in children caused by zinc deficiency. In addition, glycyrrhizic acid in zinc glycyrrhizinate has certain anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, and it may be more suitable for zinc-deficient patients with inflammatory diseases such as oral ulcers and acne.
III. Adverse Reactions
Zinc gluconate: It has relatively few adverse reactions, and common ones include gastrointestinal reactions such as mild nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Generally, these reactions can be relieved spontaneously after stopping the drug.
Zinc glycyrrhizinate: It may cause adverse reactions such as mild edema and increased blood pressure, which are related to the glucocorticoid-like effects of glycyrrhizic acid. Long-term or excessive use may lead to water and sodium retention, so it should be used with caution in patients with cardiac and renal insufficiency and hypertension.
IV. Usage and Dosage
Zinc gluconate: The usage and dosage vary according to different age groups. For children, it is generally calculated at 0.5 - 1.0 mg/kg of body weight per day and taken 2 - 3 times. For adults, it is generally 10 - 20 mg each time, 2 - 3 times a day.
Zinc glycyrrhizinate: For children, it is calculated at 0.5 - 1.5 mg/kg of body weight per day and taken 3 - 4 times. For adults, it is generally 50 - 100 mg each time, 2 - 3 times a day. The specific dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's age, condition, and individual differences.
V. Drug Interactions
Zinc gluconate: When used simultaneously with aluminum salts, calcium salts, carbonates, etc., interactions may occur, affecting the absorption of zinc. Therefore, if other drugs need to be used simultaneously, a certain time interval should be maintained.
Zinc glycyrrhizinate: When used in combination with other zinc-containing drugs or zinc supplements, excessive zinc intake may occur. At the same time, glycyrrhizic acid may interact with certain drugs. For example, when used in combination with potassium-sparing diuretics, the risk of hyperkalemia may increase.
When using zinc gluconate or zinc glycyrrhizinate, the appropriate drug should be selected according to the specific situation of the patient under the guidance of a doctor, and it should be used strictly in accordance with the doctor's instructions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication.
