Zinc salt (Wilson's disease)

Zinc acetate

Brand names: Wilzin

Zinc acetate is licensed for the treatment of Wilson's disease, a disorder of copper accumulation, particularly as maintenance therapy.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Zinc induces intestinal metallothionein, which binds dietary copper within enterocytes and prevents its absorption; the bound copper is then lost as cells are shed, producing a negative copper balance.

Prescribing in practice

Effective copper control is essential in Wilson's disease, so adherence and avoidance of treatment interruption must be emphasised to prevent disease progression.
Taking zinc on an empty stomach away from food improves absorption and copper-binding efficacy.
Zinc may cause gastric irritation, and prolonged high intake can itself lead to copper deficiency.

Monitoring

Monitoring of copper status (including urinary copper and relevant copper indices) and zinc levels is required to confirm adequate control and avoid over-treatment.

Counselling the patient

Take between meals, away from food, to help it work effectively.
Keep taking it as prescribed in Wilson's disease, even when you feel well.

Evidence & guidelines

Zinc maintenance therapy is an established option in the management of Wilson's disease.

Reference: NICE EAMS; EASL clinical practice guidelines for Wilson's disease; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways