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Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is a mineral salt supplement that supplies elemental zinc.

Forms:SyrupTablet

About Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate

Indications of Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate

Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is a mineral salt supplement that supplies elemental zinc. Its uses are classified below by strength of supporting evidence.

Established uses

  • Treatment of zinc deficiency arising from inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes (e.g., chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease), increased losses (burns, protein-losing enteropathy), or increased requirement.
  • Prevention of zinc deficiency in individuals at recognized risk, including some pregnant and lactating women and people with chronic malabsorptive disorders.

Guideline-supported adjunct use

  • As an adjunct in the management of acute diarrhea in children, given together with oral rehydration therapy (ORT), consistent with WHO/UNICEF recommendations. Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate reduces the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes but does not replace fluid and electrolyte replacement with oral rehydration salts.

General/supplemental use

  • General nutritional supplementation to maintain adequate zinc status during periods of increased need, such as growth, convalescence, or recovery from illness.

Dosage & Administration of Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate

Dosing of Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is expressed in terms of elemental zinc and should be individualized by indication, age, and body weight, under medical supervision.

IndicationPopulationTypical dose
Zinc deficiency treatmentAdults and children >30 kgApproximately 20–40 mg elemental zinc per day, in 1–3 divided doses, after food, for the duration advised by the physician
Zinc deficiency treatmentChildren 10–30 kgApproximately 10–20 mg elemental zinc per day, in 1–3 divided doses, after food
Zinc deficiency treatmentChildren <10 kgApproximately 5–10 mg elemental zinc per day, in divided doses, after food, only under medical guidance
Adjunct in acute diarrhea (with ORT)Infants <6 months10 mg elemental zinc once daily for 10–14 days
Adjunct in acute diarrhea (with ORT)Children ≥6 months to 5 years20 mg elemental zinc once daily for 10–14 days

For dispersible tablets, the tablet may be placed in a teaspoon, dissolved completely in a small amount of water or breast milk/ORS, and the entire spoonful given to the child immediately. Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is best absorbed on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals), but may be taken with food if gastric upset occurs. See Interactions for spacing from certain antibiotics, and Precautions and Warnings regarding prolonged high-dose use.

Side Effects of Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate

The most common adverse effects of Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate are gastrointestinal and are more likely when it is taken on an empty stomach:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Gastric irritation/epigastric discomfort, heartburn
  • Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
  • Metallic or unpleasant taste

These effects are usually dose-related and often improve by taking Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate with a small amount of food. Prolonged high-dose use can lead to copper deficiency and its associated effects (see Precautions and Warnings and Overdose Effects). Serious allergic reactions are rare.

Contraindications of Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate

Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to zinc sulfate or any component of the formulation. No other well-established absolute contraindications exist for standard therapeutic doses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate

What is Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate used for?

Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is used to treat and prevent zinc deficiency and, together with oral rehydration therapy, to reduce the duration and severity of acute diarrhea in children. It is also used as a general nutritional supplement when zinc intake is inadequate.

Can Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate replace oral rehydration salts (ORS) in diarrhea?

No. Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is a proven adjunct to oral rehydration therapy in acute diarrhea, but it does not replace fluid and electrolyte replacement with ORS. Both should be used together as advised by a physician.

What are the common side effects of Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate?

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, heartburn, and abdominal cramps, particularly when taken on an empty stomach. Taking Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate with a small amount of food can reduce these effects.

Is Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Standard nutritional doses of Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate are generally considered acceptable and are often part of prenatal supplementation, since zinc is an essential nutrient in pregnancy. However, doses above the standard recommended amount should be used only if clearly needed, as advised by a physician, since Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate crosses the placenta and is present in breast milk.

Can Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate be taken with antibiotics?

Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate can reduce the absorption of tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics (and vice versa) if taken together. It is recommended to separate dosing by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after these antibiotics. Always confirm timing with your physician or pharmacist.

What happens if I take too much Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate?

Taking more Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate than recommended can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, and long-term excessive use can cause copper deficiency and anemia. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center rather than attempting home treatment.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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