Zinc sulfate was administered in a double-blind manner for 6-8 months to cirrhotic outpatients with impotence and/or hypogonadism. Seven placebo and six zinc-treated patients showed mild symptomatic improvement; however, there was no significant clinical difference between the two groups. Serum zinc levels rose significantly in the zinc-treated group but urinary gonadotropin and serum testosterone levels did not change in either group. Zinc sulfate does not appear to be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunction associated with alcohol-induced hepatic cirrhosis.