Zinc Sulfate
Indications
Zinc sulfate is a zinc supplement. It is used together with oral rehydration solution (ORS) to treat diarrhoea in children, where it shortens the illness and lowers the chance of it coming back. It is also used to prevent and treat zinc deficiency, which can happen with poor diet, long-lasting diarrhoea, some bowel and liver diseases, and in people fed through a drip. Doctors may also use it for a rare inherited condition called acrodermatitis enteropathica, and sometimes in Wilson disease.
How It Works
Zinc is a mineral that many enzymes need. It helps the immune system, wound healing, growth, taste and smell, and repair of the gut lining.
Dosage and Administration
Doses are given as elemental zinc (the actual zinc content; check the pack).
- Childhood diarrhoea, together with ORS: children under 6 months, 10 mg a day; children 6 months and older, 20 mg a day; for 10 to 14 days, even after the diarrhoea stops.
- Adults with zinc deficiency: usually 25 to 50 mg a day, or as the doctor advises.
- Other conditions and injections: as prescribed. Injections are given by a doctor or nurse.
Best taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after food; take with food if it upsets the stomach. Dispersible tablets can be dissolved in a little water or breast milk for young children.
Interactions
Zinc reduces the absorption of Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin and similar antibiotics, and of Penicillamine; take zinc at least 2 to 3 hours apart from these. Iron and calcium supplements can reduce zinc absorption. Long-term zinc lowers copper absorption.
Contraindications
Allergy to zinc sulfate or any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Common: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or upset and a metallic taste, especially on an empty stomach. Taking high doses for a long time can cause copper deficiency, leading to anaemia and nerve problems.
Get urgent medical help if a child vomits repeatedly and cannot keep fluids down, shows signs of dehydration (very sleepy, sunken eyes, little or no urine), or has blood in the stool; or if anyone has signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safe at normal recommended doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid high doses unless a doctor advises them.
Precautions and Warnings
Zinc does not replace ORS; children with diarrhoea still need ORS and continued feeding. Do not take high doses for long periods without medical advice. Take extra care in kidney disease.
Overdose
A large overdose can cause severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea and dizziness. Get medical help, especially for children.
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.
All brands of Zinc Sulfate