special subjects
Zinc Supplements
Adverse Effects
Zinc is generally safe, but toxicity can develop if high doses are used (see page Zinc Toxicity ). The common adverse effects of zinc lozenges include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth irritation, mouth sores, and bad taste. Because zinc is a trace metal and can remove other necessary metals from the body, zinc lozenge dose should not exceed 75 mg per day (total dose, regardless of dosing frequency) for 14 days. Zinc sprays may cause nose and throat irritation, and intranasal forms may result in anosmia. 