Indications
Zinc Sulphate is used together with oral rehydration salts (ORS) to treat acute diarrhoea in children, where it shortens the illness and lowers the chance of another episode in the following months. It is also used to prevent and treat zinc deficiency, which can occur with poor diet, long-lasting diarrhoea, some bowel diseases and some medicines.
How It Works
Zinc is a trace mineral needed for growth, wound healing, the immune system and the repair of the lining of the gut. Replacing zinc lost during diarrhoea helps the gut heal faster.
Dosage and Administration
- Childhood diarrhoea (with ORS): children under 6 months, 10 mg of zinc once a day; children 6 months and older, 20 mg once a day; for 10 to 14 days, even after the diarrhoea stops, or as advised by a doctor or health worker. Dispersible tablets can be dissolved in a little water or breast milk.
- Zinc deficiency, adults: commonly 20 to 50 mg of elemental zinc a day, or as prescribed.
- Take after food if it upsets the stomach.
Interactions
- Zinc reduces the absorption of Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin and similar antibiotics, and Penicillamine; take them at least 2 hours apart.
- Iron and calcium supplements can reduce zinc absorption.
- Long-term high-dose zinc lowers copper levels in the body.
Contraindications
Allergy to zinc sulphate or any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion or a metallic taste, especially when taken on an empty stomach. A child may vomit soon after a dose; if this happens within 30 minutes, the dose can be repeated. Taking high doses for a long time can cause copper deficiency, leading to anaemia and nerve problems.
Get urgent medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction, and for a child with diarrhoea who has signs of dehydration (very thirsty or unable to drink, sunken eyes, passing little urine, very sleepy), blood in the stool, high fever or repeated vomiting.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safe at normal recommended doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid high doses unless a doctor advises them.
Precautions and Warnings
- In diarrhoea, zinc does not replace ORS; keep giving ORS, fluids and food, and continue breastfeeding.
- Do not take high doses for a long time without medical advice.
- Tell the doctor about kidney problems.
Overdose
Large amounts can cause severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Seek medical advice, especially if a child has swallowed several tablets.
Therapeutic Class
Mineral supplement (trace element).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.