Zinc sulfate Other names: Zinc sulphate

Accumulation of zinc may occur in cases of renal failure.

The absorption of zinc may be reduced by calcium salts.

The absorption of zinc may be reduced by oral iron, also the absorption of oral iron may be reduced by zinc.

Zinc may reduce the absorption of concurrently administered tetracyclines, also the absorption of zinc may be reduced by tetracyclines; when both are being given an interval of at least three hours should be allowed.

Zinc may reduce the absorption of quinolones; ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin.

Zinc may inhibit the absorption of copper.

The absorption of zinc may be reduced by penicillamine, also the absorption of penicillamine may be reduced by zinc.

The absorption of zinc may be reduced by trientine, also the absorption of trientine may be reduced by zinc.

The safety of zinc sulphate in human pregnancy has not been established. Zinc crosses the placenta.

Administration of the approved recommended dose of zinc sulfate injection in parenteral nutrition is not expected to cause major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with intravenous zinc sulfate.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-associated Maternal and/or Embryo-Fetal Risk

Deficiency of trace elements, including zinc, is associated with adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Pregnant women have an increased metabolic demand for trace elements, including zinc. Parenteral nutrition with zinc should be considered if a pregnant woman’s nutritional requirements cannot be fulfilled by oral or enteral intake.

Zinc is present in breast milk.

Administration of the approved recommended dose of zinc sulfate injection in parenteral nutrition is not expected to cause harm to a breastfed infant. There is no information on the effects of zinc sulfate on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for zinc sulfate injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from zinc sulfate or from the underlying maternal condition.

Zinc sulphate has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Zinc salts may cause abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastric irritation and gastritis. There have also been cases of irritability, headache and lethargy observed.

Zinc may interfere with the absorption of copper, leading to reduced copper levels, and potentially copper deficiency. The risk of copper deficiency may be greater with long-term treatment (e.g. if zinc deficiency is no longer present) and/or with higher doses of zinc.