Zinc Oxide Warnings and Precautions

It may be a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before using zinc oxide products. You may not be able to safely use zinc oxide if you have certain health conditions, such as an allergy to zinc or a skin irritation or wound that may be infected. Other zinc oxide warnings and precautions apply to oral forms of the substance, as these products may negatively interact with certain medications.

Zinc Oxide Ointment Information

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using Zinc Oxide?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking zinc oxide if you have:

An allergy to zinc
A skin irritation or wound that might be infected.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:

Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
Breastfeeding.

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Specific Warnings and Precautions

Some of the warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking zinc oxide include the following:

In general, zinc oxide creams and ointments should not be applied to skin wounds or irritations that may be infected. If you think you have an infection, consult your healthcare provider.
Oral zinc oxide can interact with other medications (see Zinc Oxide Drug Interactions for more information). Zinc oxide skin products are not likely to interact with any medications.
If using zinc oxide to treat a diaper rash, check with your child's healthcare provider if the rash does not improve within a few days. A different type of treatment may be necessary.
Zinc oxide is probably safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, especially if used at reasonable doses (see Zinc Oxide and Pregnancy and Zinc Oxide and Breastfeeding).

(Zinc Oxide Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)