Zinc Sulfate 10mg/10ml Inj, 10ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully. This medication is administered as an infusion into a vein over a period of time, after being mixed with fluids.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the proper storage procedure.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to receive guidance on what to do next.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding diet and other supplements.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Zinc Sulfate 220mg Capsules
- Zinc Trace 1mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 56.7gm
- Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 28.4gm
- Zinc Sulfate 5mg/ml Inj, 5ml
- Zinc 50mg Tablets
- Zinc Sulfate 220mg Tablets
- Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 30gm
- Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 425gm
- Zinc Oxide Ointment 454gm
- Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 60gm
- Zinc Sulfate 10mg/10ml Inj, 10ml
- Zinc Sulfate 220mg Capsules
- Zinc Sulfate 5mg/ml Inj, 5ml
- Zinc Sulfate 10mg/10ml Inj, 10ml
- Zinc Chloride 10mg/10ml Inj, 10ml
- Zinc Sulfate 3mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Zinc Sulfate 3mg/ml Inj, 10ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of a serious reaction:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Vein Irritation and Other Local Reactions
This medication may cause irritation at the injection site. If the medication leaks from the vein, it can also cause irritation around the affected area. Inform your nurse immediately if you experience:
Redness
Burning
Pain
Swelling
Leaking of fluid at the injection site
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only have mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you have side effects that bother you or do not go away.
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Signs of copper deficiency (e.g., pale skin, unusual bruising, frequent infections, numbness or tingling in hands/feet)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist identify potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
This medication may contain aluminum, which can lead to aluminum toxicity with long-term use. The risk of aluminum toxicity is higher if you have kidney problems or if you are a premature infant. It is crucial to discuss this potential risk with your doctor.
As this medication is mixed into parenteral nutrition (PN), it is important to be aware that blood clots in the lungs have occurred in some individuals receiving PN, and in rare cases, this has been fatal. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, it is essential to inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Fever
- Chills
- Hypotension
- Pulmonary edema (rare, with massive overdose)
- Copper deficiency (with chronic excessive intake)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Discontinue zinc administration. For acute overdose, gastric lavage may be considered if oral ingestion. For IV overdose, manage symptoms and monitor vital signs. Chelation therapy may be considered in severe cases of symptomatic zinc toxicity, but is rarely needed for IV overdose.
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Copper (high doses of zinc can induce copper deficiency by interfering with copper absorption and increasing metallothionein synthesis)
- Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline - oral zinc can chelate, reducing absorption; less relevant for IV zinc but consider if oral forms are co-administered)
- Quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin - oral zinc can chelate, reducing absorption; less relevant for IV zinc but consider if oral forms are co-administered)
- Iron supplements (high doses of oral iron can interfere with oral zinc absorption; less relevant for IV zinc)
- Chelating agents (e.g., penicillamine, EDTA - can increase urinary excretion of zinc)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline zinc status and confirm deficiency if suspected.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To document symptoms such as dermatitis, alopecia, impaired wound healing, diarrhea, immune dysfunction, or growth retardation.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., weekly initially, then monthly or every 3 months for long-term TPN patients)
Target: 70-120 mcg/dL (or 10.7-18.4 micromol/L)
Action Threshold: Below target range: Consider increasing dose. Above target range or signs of toxicity: Consider decreasing dose.
Frequency: Periodically (especially with higher zinc doses or long-term therapy)
Target: 70-140 mcg/dL
Action Threshold: Low copper levels: May indicate zinc-induced copper deficiency; consider reducing zinc dose or supplementing copper.
Frequency: Ongoing
Target: Resolution of deficiency symptoms (e.g., improved wound healing, skin integrity, immune function)
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms: Re-evaluate dose or consider other causes.
Symptom Monitoring
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Copper deficiency symptoms (e.g., anemia, neutropenia, neurological symptoms)
- Fever
- Chills
- Metallic taste
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Zinc is an essential nutrient during pregnancy. Deficiency can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Zinc sulfate injection is generally considered safe when used to treat or prevent deficiency at recommended doses. However, excessive doses should be avoided. Category C (risk cannot be ruled out, but benefits may outweigh risks).
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Zinc is naturally present in breast milk and is essential for infant growth and development. Zinc sulfate injection is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding when used at recommended doses to treat maternal deficiency or provide nutritional support. Monitor infant for any adverse effects, though unlikely.
Pediatric Use
Crucial for normal growth, development, and immune function in infants and children. Dosing is weight-based for younger children. Close monitoring of zinc levels is important to prevent both deficiency and toxicity.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients may be at higher risk for zinc deficiency due to decreased dietary intake, malabsorption, or chronic diseases. Dosing generally follows adult guidelines, but careful monitoring of zinc levels and renal function is advised.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Zinc sulfate injection is commonly used as a component of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to prevent or treat zinc deficiency.
- Ensure accurate calculation of elemental zinc content, as product labeling may refer to the salt form (Zinc Sulfate) rather than elemental zinc.
- Rapid intravenous infusion of concentrated zinc solutions can cause local irritation or phlebitis; administer slowly or as part of a TPN admixture.
- Long-term or high-dose zinc supplementation can induce copper deficiency; monitor serum copper levels periodically.
- Clinical signs of zinc deficiency include dermatitis (especially around orifices), alopecia, impaired wound healing, growth retardation, and immune dysfunction.
Alternative Therapies
- Oral zinc supplements (e.g., zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, zinc picolinate) for patients with intact GI function and less severe deficiency.
- Dietary sources rich in zinc (e.g., red meat, poultry, seafood, nuts, beans, dairy products) for prevention or mild deficiency.