ZINC SULFATE Solution for injection Ref.[51049] Active ingredients: Zinc sulfate

2.1 Important Administration Information

Zinc Sulfate Injection is supplied as a pharmacy bulk package for admixing use only. It is not for direct intravenous infusion. Prior to administration, Zinc Sulfate Injection must be transferred to a separate parenteral nutrition container, diluted and used as an admixture in parenteral nutrition solutions.

The final parenteral nutrition solution is for intravenous infusion into a central or peripheral vein. The choice of a central or peripheral venous route should depend on the osmolarity of the final infusate. Solutions with osmolarity of 900 mOsmol/L or greater must be infused through a central catheter [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

2.2 Preparation and Administration Instructions

• Zinc Sulfate Injection is not for direct intravenous infusion. Prior to administration, Zinc Sulfate Injection must be prepared and used as an admixture in parenteral nutrition solutions.
• Zinc Sulfate Injection is to be prepared only in a suitable work area such as a laminar flow hood (or an equivalent clean air compounding area). The key factor in the preparation is careful aseptic technique to avoid inadvertent touch contamination during mixing of solutions and addition of other nutrients.
• Visually inspect the diluted parenteral nutrition solution containing Zinc Sulfate Injection for particulate matter before admixing, after admixing, and prior to administration.

2.3 Preparation Instructions for Admixing Using a Parenteral Nutrition Container

• Inspect Zinc Sulfate Injection Bulk Pharmacy Package for particulate matter.
• Transfer Zinc Sulfate Injection to the parenteral nutrition container following the admixture of amino acids, dextrose, lipid emulsion (if added), and electrolytes solutions.
• Because additives may be incompatible, evaluate all additions to the parenteral nutrition container for compatibility and stability of the resulting preparation. Consult with pharmacist, if available. Questions about compatibility may be directed to Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC. If it is deemed advisable to introduce additives to the parenteral nutrition container, use aseptic technique.
• Inspect the final parenteral nutrition solution containing Zinc Sulfate Injection to ensure that:
  • Precipitates have not formed during mixing or addition on additives.
  • The emulsion has not separated, if lipid emulsion has been added. Separation of the emulsion can be visibly identified by a yellowish streaking or the accumulation of yellowish droplets in the admixed emulsion.
  • Discard if any precipitates are observed.

Stability and Storage

• Penetrate vial closure only one time with a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set that allows measured dispensing of the contents.
• Use Zinc Sulfate Injection for admixing promptly once the sterile transfer set has been inserted into the Pharmacy Bulk Package container or not more than 4 hours at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) (25ºC/77ºF) after the container closure has been penetrated. Discard any remaining drug.
• Use parenteral nutrition solutions containing Zinc Sulfate Injection promptly after mixing. Any storage of the admixture should be under refrigeration from 2ºC to 8ºC (36ºF to 46ºF) and limited to a period of time no longer than 9 days. After removal from refrigeration, use promptly and complete the infusion within 24 hours. Discard any remaining admixture.
• Protect the admixed parenteral nutrition solution from light.

2.4 Dosing Considerations

• The dosage of the final parenteral nutrition solution containing Zinc Sulfate Injection must be based on the concentrations of all components in the solution and the recommended daily nutritional requirements [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]. Consult the prescribing information of all added components to determine the recommended nutritional requirements for dextrose and lipid emulsion, as applicable.
• Prior to administration of parenteral nutrition solution containing Zinc Sulfate Injection, correct severe fluid, electrolyte and acid-base disorders.

2.5 Recommended Dosage and Monitoring in Adult and Pediatric Patients

• Zinc Sulfate Injection provides 1 mg/mL, 3 mg/mL, or 5 mg/mL of zinc.
• Zinc Sulfate Injection in a concentration of 1 mg/mL is recommended for use in pediatric patients, particularly those weighing less than 12 kg.
• The dosage of Zinc Sulfate Injection should be individualized based on the patient’s clinical condition, nutritional requirements, and the contribution of oral or enteral zinc intake.

Adults

The recommended adult dosage is 3 mg/day for metabolically stable patients, with potential need for a higher daily dosage in monitored patients with small bowel fluid loss or excess stool or ileostomy output.

Pediatric Patients

The recommended pediatric dosage is shown in Table 1 by age and estimated weight. The dosages in Table 1 are general recommendations intended for most pediatric patients. However, based on clinical requirements, some patients may require a higher dosage.

Table 1. Recommended Dosage of Zinc Sulfate Injection for Pediatric Patients by Age and Estimated Weight:

^* Term neonates have higher requirements in the first 3 months of life

Monitoring

Monitor zinc concentrations during treatment. Also monitor patients clinically for signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency, especially in pediatrics. Zinc concentrations may vary depending on the assay used and the laboratory reference range. The collection, processing, and storage of the blood samples for zinc analysis should be performed according to the laboratory’s sample requirements. Zinc concentrations in hemolyzed samples are falsely elevated due to release of zinc from erythrocytes. The lower end of the reported range in healthy adults in serum is 60 mcg/dL.

There are reported cases of overdosage with intravenous zinc in parenteral nutrition:

• Seven adult patients received an inadvertent overdosage of 50 mg to 75 mg elemental zinc per day in parenteral nutrition solution for 26 to 60 days; 6 of the 7 patients developed hyperamylasemia (peak amylase values of 557 to 1850 Klein units; normal: 130 to 310). Amylase was not reported in one patient. Serum zinc concentrations ranged from 310 to 670 mcg/dL. None of the patients developed clinical signs of pancreatitis. Five of the 7 patients died of septic complications.
• One adult patient died of infectious complications after receiving an inadvertent overdosage of 7.4 grams of zinc sulfate (equivalent to 1.2 grams of elemental zinc per day for 2.5 days) in parenteral nutrition solution over 60 hours. The serum zinc concentration was 4184 mcg/dL. Symptoms of zinc overdosage also included hyperamylasemia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, vomiting and diarrhea.
• One preterm infant born at 26 weeks gestation died of cardiac failure following a medication error in which the parenteral nutrition solution contained 330 mg/100 mL instead of 330 mcg/100 mL of zinc sulfate (overdosage of 1000-fold).

Management

There is no known antidote for acute zinc toxicity. Management of zinc overdosage is supportive care based on presenting signs and symptoms.

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

For storage of admixed solution see Dosage and Administration (2.3).

Discard unused portion.