Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Zinc supplement

Zinc sulfate

Brand names: Solvazinc, Z Span Spansule

Zinc sulfate is an oral zinc salt used as a mineral supplement to treat or prevent zinc deficiency, including in malabsorption, prolonged parenteral nutrition and conditions such as acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Zinc is an essential trace element that acts as a cofactor for numerous metalloenzymes and is required for normal wound healing, immune function, taste and growth; supplementation replenishes depleted stores.

Prescribing in practice

  • Prolonged or high-intake zinc supplementation can precipitate copper deficiency (with anaemia and neutropenia), so duration and need should be reviewed and copper status considered.
  • Zinc reduces absorption of oral iron, tetracyclines and quinolone antibiotics, and these should be separated in timing.
  • Gastrointestinal upset is common; taking it with or after food improves tolerability though absorption is somewhat reduced.

Monitoring

Monitor for clinical response and, with prolonged use, consider periodic assessment of copper and haematological indices.

Counselling the patient

  • Take separately from iron tablets and certain antibiotics, leaving a gap between doses.
  • Report any unexplained tiredness or recurrent infections during long-term use.
  • Do not continue indefinitely without review.

Evidence & guidelines

Use is supported by established trace-element guidance and the product SPC rather than a single landmark trial.

Reference: BAPEN guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways