Zinc sulfate

Generic name: zinc sulfate [ ZINK-SUL-fate ]
Brand names: Orazinc 110, Orazinc 220, Zinc, Zinc-220, Zinca-pak, ... show all 11 brands Mar-Zinc, Verazinc, Zincate, Zinc CR, Micro-Zn, Zinc 50 mg Pink
Dosage forms: oral capsule (220 mg), oral tablet (110 mg; 140 mg (as elemental zinc 50 mg), 220 mg, 66 mg)
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 7, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is zinc sulfate?

Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral. Zinc is important for growth and for the development and health of body tissues.

Zinc sulfate is used to treat and to prevent zinc deficiency.

Zinc sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Before using zinc sulfate, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use zinc sulfate if you have certain medical conditions.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether zinc sulfate will harm an unborn baby. Do not use zinc sulfate without a doctor''s advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether zinc sulfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor''s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take zinc sulfate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take zinc sulfate with a full glass of water.

Take zinc sulfate with food if it upsets your stomach.

Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best result. The recommended dietary allowance of zinc sulfate changes with age. Follow your healthcare provider''s instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances") listings for more information.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, severe vomiting, dehydration, and restlessness.

What should I avoid while taking zinc sulfate?

Avoid taking this medication with foods that are high in calcium or phosphorus, which can make it harder for your body to absorb zinc sulfate. Foods high in calcium or phosphorus include milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, dried beans or peas, lentils, nuts, peanut butter, beer, cola soft drinks, and hot cocoa.

Zinc sulfate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea; or

• upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Zinc sulfate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Dietary Supplement:

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)-expressed as elemental zinc:
19 years and older:
Male: 11 mg (Upper intake limit: 34 mg)
Female: 9 mg (Upper intake limit: 34 mg)
Pregnancy: 11 mg (Upper intake limit: 40 mg)
Lactation: 12 mg (Upper intake limit: 40 mg)

Zinc sulfate injection: IV:
Metabolically stable adults receiving TPN: 2.5 to 4 mg zinc/day
Acute catabolic states on TPN: Additional 2 mg zinc per day is recommended.
Stable adult with fluid loss from the small bowel: Additional 12.2 mg zinc/liter of small bowel fluid lost, or an additional 17.1 mg zinc/kg of stool or ileostomy output is recommended.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dietary Supplement:

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)-expressed as elemental zinc:
0 to 6 months:
Male: 2 mg (Upper intake limit: 4 mg)
Female: 2 mg (Upper intake limit: 4 mg)
7 to 12 months:
Male: 3 mg (Upper intake limit: 5 mg)
Female: 3 mg (Upper intake limit: 5 mg)

1 to 3 years:
Male: 3 mg (Upper intake limit: 7 mg)
Female: 3 mg (Upper intake limit: 7 mg)

4 to 8 years:
Male: 5 mg (Upper intake limit: 12 mg)
Female: 5 mg (Upper intake limit: 12 mg)

9 to 13 years:
Male: 8 mg (Upper intake limit: 23 mg)
Female: 8 mg (Upper intake limit: 23 mg)

14 to 18 years:
Male: 11 mg (Upper intake limit: 34 mg)
Female: 9 mg (Upper intake limit: 34 mg)
Pregnancy: 12 mg (Upper intake limit: 40 mg)
Lactation: 13 mg (Upper intake limit: 40 mg)

Zinc sulfate injection: IV:
Full term infants and children up to 5 years of age: 100 mcg zinc/kg/day is recommended.
Premature infants (birth weight less than 1500 g) up to 3 kg in body weight: 300 mcg zinc/kg/day is recommended.

What other drugs will affect zinc sulfate?

Other drugs may interact with zinc sulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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