Polaprezinc

Zinc Carnosine Chelate (dipeptide Metal Complex)Rx: PrescriptionCompound: Approved

Also known as: beta-alanyl-L-histidine zinc chelate, Promac, Z-103, Zinc L-carnosine

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

Summary

Polaprezinc is an approved gastroprotective agent used in Japan for the treatment of gastric ulcers. It combines the mucosal protective properties of L-carnosine with the anti-ulcer and anti-H. pylori properties of zinc. It is investigational in other countries for conditions including chemotherapy-induced mucositis, taste disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Mechanism of Action

Polaprezinc is a chelate complex of zinc and L-carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine). It exerts gastroprotective effects by stabilizing the gastric mucosal membrane, scavenging free radicals, inhibiting H. pylori growth, promoting epithelial cell migration and wound healing, stimulating mucus secretion, and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta.

Routes of Administration

Oral

Goals & Uses

  • Taste disorder (dysgeusia) treatmentSensory/NeurologicalModerate
  • H. pylori eradication (adjunct)Antimicrobial / GastrointestinalModerate
  • Gastric ulcer healingGastrointestinalHigh
  • Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis preventionOncology Supportive CareModerate
  • Inflammatory bowel diseaseGastroenterologyLow
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom reliefGastrointestinalLow

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to polaprezinc or its componentsAllergyHigh
  • Copper deficiencyMetabolicModerate
  • Renal impairment (severe)RenalModerate

Adverse Effects

  • ConstipationGastrointestinalUncommonReduced bowel frequency or difficulty passing stool
  • Copper deficiency (with long-term use)MetabolicRare
  • NauseaGastrointestinalUncommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
  • Elevated serum zinc levelsMetabolicUncommon
  • Transient liver enzyme elevationHepaticRare

Drug Interactions

  • Tetracycline antibioticsHigh
  • Copper supplementsModerate
  • PenicillamineModerate
  • Fluoroquinolone antibioticsModerate

Population Constraints

  • PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
  • Severe renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
  • LactationReproductiveRelative
  • Pediatric populationAgeRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionUnapprovedNot approved by EMA. Available in some EU countries as a supplement.
  • United StatesUnapprovedNot FDA-approved. Available as a dietary supplement ingredient (zinc carnosine). Studied investigationally for mucositis and GI indications.
  • United KingdomUnapprovedNot approved by MHRA as a medicine. Available as a food supplement.

Approved in Japan (trade name Promac) for gastric ulcers. Not approved by the FDA or EMA for any indication; used in some countries as a dietary supplement or investigational agent.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

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