Zinc Chloride

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 25, 2024.

Pronunciation

(zink KLOR ide)

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Solution, Intravenous [preservative free]:

Generic: 1 mg/mL (10 mL)

Pharmacologic Category

• Trace Element

Distribution

Stored primarily in skeletal muscle and bone (>85%) (IOM 2001).

Excretion

Feces and urine (IOM 2001).

Protein Binding

Albumin and alpha 1-macroglobulin (Foote 1984).

Use: Labeled Indications

Trace element added to parenteral nutrition (PN) to prevent deficiency

Dosing: Adult

Parenteral nutrition, maintenance requirement: IV: Note: Dosage expressed in terms of elemental zinc:

Acute metabolic states: 4.5 to 6 mg/day

Metabolically stable: 2.5 to 5 mg/day (ASPEN [Vanek 2012])

Stable with fluid loss from small bowel: 12.2 mg zinc/L TPN or 17.1 mg zinc/kg (added to 1000 mL IV fluids) of stool or ileostomy output

Note: Clinical response from deficiency may not occur for up to 6 to 8 weeks.

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Dosing: Pediatric

Note: Dosages may be presented in units of mcg or mg, use caution to ensure correct units. Clinical response may not occur for up to 6 to 8 weeks:

Parenteral nutrition, maintenance zinc requirement: Note: Higher doses may be needed if impaired intestinal absorption or an excessive loss of zinc (eg, excessive, prolonged diarrhea, high-output intestinal fistula, burns).

Age-directed dosing (ASPEN [Vanek 2012]):

Infants <3 months: IV: 250 mcg/kg/day elemental zinc as an additive to parenteral nutrition solution.

Infants ≥3 months: IV: 50 mcg/kg/day elemental zinc as an additive to parenteral nutrition solution.

Children: 50 mcg/kg/day elemental zinc as an additive to parenteral nutrition solution; maximum daily dose: 5,000 mcg/day.

Weight-directed dosing (ASPEN [Mirtallo 2004]):

Infants <10 kg: 50 to 250 mcg/kg/day elemental zinc as an additive to parenteral nutrition solution.

Children 10 to 40 kg: 50 to 125 mcg/kg/day elemental zinc as an additive to parenteral nutrition solution; maximum daily dose: 5,000 mcg/day.

Children and Adolescents >40 kg: 2,000 to 5,000 mcg/day elemental zinc as an additive to parenteral nutrition solution.

Administration

Solution for IV injection: Administer after dilution in volume of fluid ≥100 mL

Storage

Store intact vial at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Drug Interactions

Dolutegravir: Zinc Salts may decrease the serum concentration of Dolutegravir. Management: Administer dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after oral zinc salts. Administer the dolutegravir/rilpivirine combination product at least 4 hours before or 6 hours after oral zinc salts. Consider therapy modification

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Dyspepsia, hypotension, jaundice, leukopenia, nausea, neutropenia, pulmonary edema, vomiting

Warnings/Precautions

Disease-related concerns:

• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Copper: IV administration of zinc without copper may cause a decrease in copper serum concentrations.

Dosage form specific issues:

• Aluminum: The parenteral product may contain aluminum; toxic aluminum concentrations may be seen with high doses, prolonged use, or renal dysfunction. Premature neonates are at higher risk due to immature renal function and aluminum intake from other parenteral sources. Parenteral aluminum exposure of >4 to 5 mcg/kg/day is associated with CNS and bone toxicity; tissue loading may occur at lower doses (Federal Register, 2002). See manufacturer’s labeling.

Monitoring Parameters

Patients on parenteral nutrition or chronic therapy should have periodic serum copper and serum zinc levels; alkaline phosphatase, taste acuity, mental depression

Pregnancy Risk Factor C Pregnancy Considerations

Zinc crosses the placenta and can be measured in the cord blood and placenta. Fetal concentrations are regulated by the placenta (de Moraes, 2011).

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to help growth and good health.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine's uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the best zinc-rich foods to eat?

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer