Zinc Trace 1mg/ml Inj, 10ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the proper storage procedure.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to receive guidance on the appropriate course of action.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Follow all instructions from your healthcare provider regarding your nutrition plan.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms immediately.
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, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- 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
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is available to provide medical advice about side effects.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Signs of too little zinc: new skin rashes (especially around mouth, hands, feet), hair loss, poor wound healing, frequent infections, changes in taste or smell.
- Signs of too much zinc: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, feeling tired, dizziness, headache, fever, chills, or yellowing of skin/eyes (signs of copper deficiency).
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about any allergies you have, including:
- An allergy to this medication or any of its components
- An allergy to other medications, foods, or substances
When discussing your allergy, be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
This medication may interact with other medications or health conditions. To ensure safe use, it is crucial to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins
- Share information about any health problems you have
You must verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other 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 increase the risk of aluminum toxicity with long-term use. This risk is particularly higher if you have kidney problems or if you are a premature infant. It is crucial to discuss this potential risk with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you must notify your doctor. You and your doctor will need to weigh the benefits and risks of taking this medication to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Copper deficiency (manifesting as anemia, neutropenia, neurological symptoms)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Management is supportive. In severe cases of acute toxicity, chelation therapy (e.g., with EDTA) may be considered, but is rarely needed for chronic excess. Copper supplementation may be required if copper deficiency is induced.
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Copper (high zinc intake can induce copper deficiency by interfering with absorption and ceruloplasmin synthesis)
- Iron (high oral iron intake can interfere with oral zinc absorption, less relevant for IV)
- Chelating agents (e.g., penicillamine, EDTA - can increase zinc excretion and lead to deficiency)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline status, especially if deficiency is suspected or patient is at high risk (e.g., malabsorption, high GI losses).
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, if indicated.
Rationale: To identify symptoms such as dermatitis, alopecia, impaired wound healing, immune dysfunction, or growth retardation.
Timing: Prior to initiation and throughout therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Weekly initially, then monthly or as clinically indicated (e.g., in long-term PN, renal/hepatic impairment, or high-output GI losses).
Target: 70-120 mcg/dL (adults)
Action Threshold: Below target range (consider increasing dose); above target range (consider decreasing dose or investigating toxicity).
Frequency: Daily/Weekly
Target: Improvement or maintenance of normal function
Action Threshold: Worsening symptoms or new signs of deficiency/toxicity.
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months)
Target: Normal range
Action Threshold: Low copper levels (may indicate zinc-induced copper deficiency).
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of zinc deficiency (e.g., acrodermatitis enteropathica-like rash, alopecia, impaired wound healing, immune dysfunction, growth retardation, diarrhea, impaired taste/smell)
- Signs of zinc toxicity (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, dizziness, headache, fever, chills, copper deficiency, anemia, neutropenia)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Zinc is an essential nutrient during pregnancy for fetal growth and development. Deficiency can lead to adverse outcomes. However, excessive zinc intake can also be harmful. IV zinc should be administered to meet physiological requirements, especially in women on parenteral nutrition, with careful monitoring of levels.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Zinc is an essential component of breast milk. IV zinc supplementation is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding when administered to meet maternal nutritional needs. Monitor infant for any adverse effects, though unlikely with appropriate maternal dosing.
Pediatric Use
Pediatric patients, especially premature infants, have specific and higher per-kilogram zinc requirements due to rapid growth. Dosing must be carefully calculated based on weight and age to prevent both deficiency and toxicity. Close monitoring of plasma zinc levels is crucial.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for geriatric patients beyond those for renal or hepatic impairment. However, older adults may have altered nutritional status or comorbidities that affect zinc requirements or excretion, necessitating careful monitoring.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Zinc is a critical trace element for patients on long-term parenteral nutrition, especially those with high gastrointestinal losses (e.g., high-output ostomies, short bowel syndrome).
- Monitor plasma zinc levels regularly, particularly in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction, or those with significant fluid losses, to guide appropriate dosing and prevent both deficiency and toxicity.
- Excessive zinc supplementation can induce copper deficiency, leading to anemia and neutropenia. Monitor copper levels if high zinc doses are used or for prolonged periods.
- Administer zinc chloride injection as part of a complete parenteral nutrition solution, not as a standalone bolus, due to its concentration and potential for irritation.
Alternative Therapies
- Oral zinc supplements (e.g., zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate) for patients who can tolerate enteral nutrition and have less severe deficiency or lower requirements.