zinc sulfate monohydrate: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Confirm a clinical reason for replacement and periodically reassess continuing need.
• Consider renal function because zinc may accumulate in renal failure.
• Account for sodium and sorbitol in the effervescent formulation.
• Review antibiotics, iron, calcium, penicillamine, trientine and copper-containing products for absorption interactions.

Contraindications and cautions

• Hypersensitivity to zinc sulfate monohydrate or an excipient.
• Copper deficiency.
• Hereditary fructose intolerance for the selected sorbitol-containing product.

Monitoring

• Clinical response and continuing need for replacement.
• Copper status and blood count during prolonged treatment or when symptoms suggest copper deficiency.
• Neurological symptoms including altered gait, coordination problems, paraesthesia or numbness.
• Renal function where impairment could increase zinc accumulation.

Clinical pharmacology

Provides absorbable zinc for zinc-dependent enzyme systems. Zinc is absorbed gastrointestinally, distributed widely and circulates bound mainly within erythrocytes and to plasma proteins.

Formulation and product differences

• The selected product is an effervescent tablet requiring dissolution in water.
• It contains sodium and sorbitol and must be protected from moisture.
• The container cap contains a desiccant capsule that must not be swallowed.

Effervescent tablet

Route: Oral

Strengths: 45 mg