Polaprezinc
Also known as: beta-alanyl-L-histidine zinc chelate, Polaprezinc, Promac, Z-103, Zinc L-carnosine, Zinc L‑carnosine, ZnC
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Summary
Polaprezinc is an oral zinc‑L‑carnosine chelate approved in Japan for treatment of gastric ulcers and gastritis, acting as a mucosal protective agent.
Mechanism of Action
Delivers zinc and L‑carnosine to gastric mucosa, providing antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and mucosal protective effects that promote ulcer healing.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Taste disorder (dysgeusia) treatmentSensory/NeurologicalModerate
- H. pylori eradication (adjunct)Antimicrobial / GastrointestinalModerate
- Mucosal protectionProtective BarrierHigh
- Gastric ulcer healingGastrointestinalHigh
- Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis preventionOncology Supportive CareModerate
- Inflammatory bowel diseaseGastroenterologyLow
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom reliefGastrointestinalLow
- Gastritis symptom reliefInflammation ControlModerate
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to polaprezinc or its componentsAllergyHigh
- Copper deficiencyMetabolicModerate
- Severe renal impairmentOrganModerateKidney function concerns
- Renal impairment (severe)RenalModerate
- Hypersensitivity to zinc or L‑carnosineAllergyHigh
- Use in children <12 yPediatricModerate
Adverse Effects
- Hepatic dysfunctionHepaticRare
- HeadacheNeurologicUncommonPain in the head or upper neck
- Metallic tasteSensoryCommon
- ConstipationGastrointestinalUncommonReduced bowel frequency or difficulty passing stool
- Copper deficiency (with long-term use)MetabolicRare
- NauseaGastrointestinalCommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
- Elevated serum zinc levelsMetabolicUncommon
- Transient liver enzyme elevationHepaticRare
- DiarrheaGastrointestinalCommonLoose or frequent stools
Drug Interactions
- Tetracycline antibioticsHigh
- Copper supplementsModerate
- Antacids (aluminum/magnesium)Moderate
- Iron supplementsModerate
- PenicillamineModerate
- Fluoroquinolone antibioticsModerate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Severe renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- ElderlyAgeRelative
- LactationReproductiveRelative
- Pediatric populationAgeRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNo EMA marketing authorization.
- JPApprovedApproved: gastric ulcerApproved since 2004.
- United StatesUnapprovedNot FDA‑approved; available as dietary supplement in limited forms.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNot approved by MHRA as a medicine. Available as a food supplement.
Approved in Japan (2004) for gastric ulcer; not approved by FDA or EMA.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polaprezinc?
Polaprezinc is an oral zinc‑L‑carnosine chelate approved in Japan for treatment of gastric ulcers and gastritis, acting as a mucosal protective agent.
What is Polaprezinc used for?
Polaprezinc is educationally associated with: Taste disorder (dysgeusia) treatment, H. pylori eradication (adjunct), Mucosal protection, Gastric ulcer healing, Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis prevention, Inflammatory bowel disease, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom relief, Gastritis symptom relief. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Polaprezinc administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Oral.
What are the potential side effects of Polaprezinc?
Reported adverse effects include: Hepatic dysfunction, Headache, Metallic taste, Constipation, Copper deficiency (with long-term use), Nausea, Elevated serum zinc levels, Transient liver enzyme elevation, Diarrhea. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Polaprezinc?
Recorded contraindications: Hypersensitivity to polaprezinc or its components, Copper deficiency, Severe renal impairment, Renal impairment (severe), Hypersensitivity to zinc or L‑carnosine, Use in children <12 y. Consult a qualified clinician before use.