GI: gastric irritation (oral use only), nausea, vomiting.
RDA = 15 mg. Doses expressed in mg of elemental zinc unless otherwise noted. Zinc sulfate contains 23% zinc
Deficiency
- PO (Adults): Prevention of deficiency: 15–19 mg/day; treatment of deficiency: must be individualized; based on degree of deficiency.
IV Nutritional Supplementation—Metabolically Stable Patients
- IV (Adults): 3 mg/day; up to 12 mg/day in patients with excessive losses.
- IV (Children ≥10 kg): 50 mcg/kg/day (up to 3 mg/day).
- IV (Children 5–<10 kg): 100 mcg/kg/day.
- IV (Neonates 3–<5 kg): 250 mcg/kg/day.
- IV (Neonates <3 kg): Preterm neonates: 400 mcg/kg/day.
Therapeutic Classification: mineral and electrolyte replacements/supplements
Pharmacologic Classification: trace metals
Absorption: Poorly absorbed from the GI tract (20–30%).
Distribution: Widely distributed. Concentrates in muscle, bone, skin, kidney, liver, pancreas, retina, prostate, RBCs, and WBCs.
Metabolism/Excretion: 90% excreted in feces, remainder lost in urine and sweat.
Half-life: Unknown.
