Zinc sulfate oral
- Drugs List
- Therapeutic Indications
- Dosage
- Administration
- Contraindications
- Precautions and Warnings
- Pregnancy and Lactation
- Side Effects
- Monograph
Presentation
Oral formulation of zinc sulfate.
Drugs List
Therapeutic Indications
Uses
Zinc deficiency
Unlicensed Uses
Acrodermatitis enteropathica
Dosage
One 125mg zinc sulfate effervescent tablet contains 45mg of elemental zinc.
Adults
One tablet to be taken, dissolved in water, one to three times daily after meals.
Children
Bodyweight over 30kg: One tablet to be taken, dissolved in water, one to three times daily after meals.
Bodyweight between 10kg to 30kg: Half a tablet, dissolved in water, to be taken one to three times daily after meals.
Bodyweight under 10kg: Half a tablet to be taken, dissolved in water, one to three times daily after meals.
Acrodermatitis enteropathica (unlicensed): 0.5mg/kg to 1mg/kg elemental zinc twice daily. Total daily dose can be given in 3 divided doses.
Neonates
Alternative sources suggest:
Zinc deficiency: 1mg/kg elemental zinc once daily.
Acrodermatitis enteropathica (unlicensed): 0.5mg/kg to 1mg/kg elemental zinc twice daily. Total daily dose can be given in 3 divided doses.
Administration
Tablets should be dissolved in water and taken after meals.
Contraindications
Copper deficiency
Precautions and Warnings
Restricted sodium intake
Acute renal failure
Chronic renal failure
Hereditary fructose intolerance
Pregnancy
Some formulations contain more than 1mmol (23mg) sodium per dose
Not all available brands are licensed
Presentations with sorbitol unsuitable in hereditary fructose intolerance
Monitor zinc levels in renal failure as zinc may accumulate
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Use zinc sulfate should be used with caution during pregnancy.
The manufacturer states the safety of zinc sulfate is not established during pregnancy. At the time of writing there is limited published information regarding the use of zinc sulfate during pregnancy. Potential risks are unknown, however zinc sulfate is known to cross the placenta.
Lactation
Zinc sulfate is considered safe for use during breastfeeding.
The manufacturer advises zinc sulfate is expressed in human breast milk, but the quantity is unknown.
Side Effects
Abdominal pain
Copper deficiency
Diarrhoea
Dyspepsia
Gastric irritation
Gastritis
Headache
Irritability
Lethargy
Nausea
Vomiting
Overdosage
It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.
The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111
Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).
Further Information
Last Full Review Date: January 2020
Reference Sources
Drugs During Pregnancy and Lactation: Treatment Options and Risk Assessment, 3rd edition (2015) ed. Schaefer, C., Peters, P. and Miller, R. Elsevier, London.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Solvazinc Effervescent tablets. Galen Limited. Revised December 2017.
NICE - Evidence Services
Available at: www.nice.org.uk
Last accessed: 09 January 2020
UK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service.
Available at: https://www.midlandsmedicines.nhs.uk/content.asp?section=6&subsection=17&pageIdx=1
Last accessed: 12 April 2016
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