Zinco: Uses, dosages and side effects

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by Pharmacist Nguyen Thi Bich Phuong - Pharmacy Department of Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Zinco has the active ingredient zinc sulfate heptahydrate. Each 5ml of syrup contains the equivalent of 15mg of zinc.

1. Ingredients and uses of Zinco

Zinc is a trace element that plays an active role in the metabolism of body substances. Zinc deficiency leads to altered carbohydrate and protein metabolism that limit absorption and reduce growth. In addition, zinc also plays an important role in the synthesis of genetic substances (DNA, RNA), wound healing, cell division, sperm production and immunity.
The drug is indicated to supplement zinc in cases of deficiency such as:
Malabsorption syndrome. Cases of zinc loss (diarrhea, vomiting, burns, protein loss). Scalp inflammation. In addition, the drug is also used in cases of growth retardation, defects in tissue differentiation: skin, immune system, intestinal mucus.

2. Dosage of Zinco for adults and children

The recommended dosage is as follows:
Children in cases of zinc deficiency: Under 5 years old: 5-10mg/day 6-14 years old: 10-15mg/day Children with Wilson's disease: 1-5 years old: 45mg/day 6-15 years old: 75mg/day Adults: Zinc loss due to diarrhea, protein-energy malnutrition, lactating women: 30mg/day. Intestinal atopic dermatitis: 45mg/day. Pregnant women supplement: 20mg/day.

3. Some cases should not take the drug and the note when using

Do not use the drug for the following subjects: Patients with hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the drug.
Care should be taken when using the drug in the following subjects: Pregnant and lactating women need to take the drug as prescribed by the doctor.
Drug interactions:
Zinc sulfate forms complexes with tetracyclines so do not use them together. Iron reduces the absorption of zinc sulfate. Zinc reduces the absorption of ciprofloxacin. Therefore, it is recommended that when taking zinc, it should be taken at least 2 hours apart from the above drugs. Zinc absorption can be reduced by foods such as white bread, milk, cheese and coffee.

4. Zinco side effects

Common: Vomiting. Allergic reactions, dyspepsia, feeling of stomach heat, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias may be experienced. Overdosage of zinc can lead to copper deficiency and anemia (seen after prolonged high-dose zinc therapy). In case of prolonged overdosage, 4 mg copper sulfate should be given to prevent copper deficiency and slow transfusion for symptomatic treatment of anemia. When zinc poisoning, gastric lavage is possible.

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