Zinc Sulfate 220mg Capsules
It is used to help growth and good health.
Drug Class
Mineral supplement, Trace element
Pharmacologic Class
Essential trace element
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Zinc sulfate is a mineral supplement used to treat or prevent zinc deficiency. Zinc is an essential nutrient important for many body functions, including immune system health, wound healing, and proper growth and development.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food may help.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Keep your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding storage in bathrooms. Ensure all medications are stored safely and out of reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist for guidance on proper disposal. Many areas have drug take-back programs that can also assist with safe disposal.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food may help.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Keep your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding storage in bathrooms. Ensure all medications are stored safely and out of reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist for guidance on proper disposal. Many areas have drug take-back programs that can also assist with safe disposal.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food if stomach upset (nausea, vomiting) occurs, but be aware that food can reduce absorption. If possible, take on an empty stomach for best absorption.
- Avoid taking zinc sulfate at the same time as dairy products, high-fiber foods, or certain medications (like antibiotics or iron supplements). Separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Maintain a balanced diet to support overall nutritional needs.
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
Standard Dose:
For zinc deficiency: 220 mg (50 mg elemental zinc) 1 to 3 times daily. For Wilson's disease: 220 mg (50 mg elemental zinc) 3 times daily.
Dose Range:
50 - 150 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Zinc Deficiency:
220 mg (50 mg elemental zinc) 1 to 3 times daily
Wilson's Disease:
220 mg (50 mg elemental zinc) 3 times daily
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established for routine use; specific deficiency may require individualized dosing under medical supervision.
Infant:
Not established for routine use; specific deficiency may require individualized dosing under medical supervision.
Child:
For zinc deficiency: 0.5-1 mg elemental zinc/kg/day in divided doses (max 50 mg elemental zinc/day). 220 mg capsule is generally too high for most children unless for specific conditions like Wilson's disease or severe deficiency, requiring careful dose adjustment.
Adolescent:
Similar to adult dosing for deficiency, 220 mg (50 mg elemental zinc) 1-2 times daily.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment generally required.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment generally required.
Severe:
No specific adjustment generally required, but monitor zinc levels.
Dialysis:
No specific adjustment generally required; monitor zinc levels.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment generally required.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment generally required.
Severe:
No specific adjustment generally required.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Zinc is an essential trace element involved in numerous enzymatic reactions, protein synthesis, immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. In Wilson's disease, it induces metallothionein in the intestinal cells, which binds dietary copper, preventing its absorption and promoting its fecal excretion.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
20-40%
Tmax:
1-3 hours
FoodEffect:
Food, especially phytates (found in whole grains, legumes), fiber, and dairy products, can decrease absorption. Best absorbed on an empty stomach, but often taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not readily quantifiable for a mineral; widely distributed throughout the body, with high concentrations in bone, muscle, prostate, and eye.
ProteinBinding:
Binds primarily to albumin and alpha-2 macroglobulin.
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not well-defined for elimination kinetics; plasma half-life is short, but overall body turnover is complex.
Clearance:
Primarily fecal.
ExcretionRoute:
Fecal (major), urinary (minor), sweat.
Unchanged:
Excreted as zinc.
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Days to weeks for clinical effect in deficiency.
PeakEffect:
Weeks to months for full repletion of body stores.
DurationOfAction:
Depends on ongoing intake and body stores.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening 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, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
It's essential to remember that all medications can cause side effects, although many people may not experience any or may only have mild side effects. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice. Not all possible side effects are listed here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or through their website at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening 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, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
It's essential to remember that all medications can cause side effects, although many people may not experience any or may only have mild side effects. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice. Not all possible side effects are listed here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or through their website at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain (signs of acute overdose)
- Unusual tiredness
- Pale skin
- Frequent infections
- Numbness or tingling in hands/feet (possible signs of copper deficiency from prolonged high zinc use)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of 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 assess 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.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of 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 assess 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
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. As directed by your doctor, regular blood tests will be necessary to monitor your condition, and you should discuss the results with your doctor. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you must notify your doctor. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby, and this discussion will enable you to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Anemia (due to copper deficiency with chronic overdose)
- Neutropenia (due to copper deficiency with chronic overdose)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is supportive; chelation therapy may be considered in severe cases of chronic toxicity.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin): Zinc can chelate these antibiotics, significantly reducing their absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-6 hours.
- Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline): Similar chelation, leading to reduced absorption of both zinc and the antibiotic. Separate administration by at least 2-6 hours.
Moderate Interactions
- Penicillamine: Zinc can reduce penicillamine absorption and vice versa. Separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Iron supplements: High doses of iron can interfere with zinc absorption. Separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Calcium supplements: High doses of calcium can interfere with zinc absorption. Separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Diuretics (thiazide, loop): May increase urinary zinc excretion, potentially leading to deficiency with long-term use.
Minor Interactions
- Foods high in phytates (e.g., whole grains, legumes): Can reduce zinc absorption.
- Dairy products: Can reduce zinc absorption.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Serum zinc levels
Rationale: To confirm zinc deficiency and guide initial dosing.
Timing: Before initiating therapy, if deficiency is suspected.
Serum copper levels
Rationale: To establish baseline for patients on high-dose or long-term zinc therapy, as high zinc can induce copper deficiency.
Timing: Before initiating high-dose or long-term therapy (e.g., for Wilson's disease).
Routine Monitoring
Serum zinc levels
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months or as clinically indicated)
Target: 70-120 mcg/dL (adults)
Action Threshold: Below target: consider dose adjustment; Above target (toxicity): reduce dose.
Serum copper levels
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months) for high-dose or long-term use.
Target: 70-140 mcg/dL (adults)
Action Threshold: Below target: investigate for copper deficiency, consider copper supplementation or zinc dose reduction.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Frequency: Annually for long-term high-dose use (to monitor for anemia or neutropenia, which can be signs of copper deficiency).
Target: Normal
Action Threshold: Anemia or neutropenia: investigate for copper deficiency.
Symptom Monitoring
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Metallic taste
- Unusual tiredness
- Pale skin
- Frequent infections
- Numbness or tingling in extremities (signs of copper deficiency from prolonged high zinc use)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Zinc is an essential nutrient during pregnancy. Supplementation is generally considered safe and often recommended for women with confirmed deficiency. High doses should be avoided unless specifically indicated and closely monitored by a healthcare professional.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Essential for early fetal development; deficiency can be harmful. High doses are not recommended.
Second Trimester:
Continued need for fetal growth and development; deficiency can be harmful. High doses are not recommended.
Third Trimester:
Continued need for fetal growth and development; deficiency can be harmful. High doses are not recommended.
Lactation
Zinc is excreted in breast milk and is essential for infant growth and development. Supplementation at recommended doses is generally considered safe for nursing mothers. Monitor the infant for any adverse effects, though unlikely at therapeutic maternal doses.
Infant Risk:
L3 (Moderately safe; monitor infant for potential gastrointestinal upset, though rare at maternal therapeutic doses).
Pediatric Use
Dosing must be carefully individualized based on age, weight, and severity of deficiency. High doses can be toxic. Not typically recommended for general supplementation in children without confirmed deficiency or specific medical indication.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are generally required. Elderly patients may be at higher risk for zinc deficiency due to dietary factors, malabsorption, or polypharmacy. Monitor for potential drug interactions and copper deficiency with long-term high-dose use.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Zinc sulfate 220mg capsules contain approximately 50mg of elemental zinc. Always clarify the elemental zinc content when dosing or comparing products.
- Advise patients that while zinc is best absorbed on an empty stomach, taking it with a small amount of food can help minimize common gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting.
- Long-term or high-dose zinc supplementation can lead to copper deficiency, which may manifest as anemia or neurological symptoms. Regular monitoring of copper levels is crucial in these patients.
- Emphasize the importance of separating zinc sulfate administration from quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics by several hours to prevent significant reductions in absorption of both medications.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary modification (consumption of zinc-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, seafood, nuts, legumes, and dairy products)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Highly variable per 30 capsules
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or 2 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.