Zinc Supplements

Synonyms :

Zinc Acetate, Zinc Chloride, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Sulfate

Mechanism :

Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral. Zinc is important for growth and for the development and health of body tissues. Zinc is used to treat and to prevent zinc deficiencies.

Indication :

Acrodermatitis enteropathica
Wilson’s disease
Zinc deficiency
Acute diarrhea

Contraindications :

No known contraindications. Accumulation of zinc may occur in cases of renal failure. Overdosing can lead to zinc toxicity. Excessive intake of zinc (100 mg to 300 mg/day) can lead to toxicity. Zinc supplement in amounts of 2 gm/day can lead to acute toxicity leading to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, convulsions. Chronic toxicity can lead to lethargy, anemia, neutropenia and CNS disturbances predominantly due to lowering of copper levels.

Dosing :

Acrodermatitis enteropathica:

0.5 mg-1 mg/kg/dose 2 times a day PO.

Wilson disease:

1-5 years of age: 25 mg of zinc twice daily;

6-15 years of age: 25 mg of zinc three times daily;

>16 years: 50 mg three times daily.

Do not give at same time as penicillamine (It is not indicated for use initially but for maintenance therapy after therapy with chelating agent approximately 4-6 months).

Zinc deficiency:

For infants and children: 0.5-1 mg elemental zinc/kg/day divided 1-3 times/day; larger doses are needed if there is impaired intestinal absorption or an excessive loss of zinc. occurs. Adjust according to response.

For full term infants and children up to 5 years of age, 100 mcg zinc/kg/day can be given IV as zinc chloride injection.

Acute diarrhea:

Give for 10-14 days.

<6 months of age: 10 mg PO daily.

>6 months of age: 20 mg PO daily.

Adverse Effect :

Abdominal pain and dyspepsia have been reported.

Interaction :

Iron, Penicillamine, Ciprofloxacin and Norfloxacin: Zinc reduces absorption.
Tetracyclines: Reduce absorption of zinc and vice versa, when both are being given an interval of at least 3 hours should be allowed.
Calcium Salts and Bran Products: Reduce the absorption of zinc.
Wilson Disease: Do not give zinc at the same time as penicillamine—leave an interval of at least 3 hours.

Hepatic Dose :

No dosage adjustments are recommended.