Zinc sulfate
No prescription neededDiarrhoea and rehydration
Comes as:Dissolving tabletSyrup
Usual adult dose
For diarrhoea in children, together with ORS: babies under 6 months 10 mg once a day; children 6 months and older 20 mg once a day, for 10 to 14 days. Dissolve the tablet in a little breast milk or clean water. Adult doses for zinc deficiency are set by your doctor.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- vomiting soon after the dose
- metallic taste
- stomach upset
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe or repeated vomiting
- signs of dehydration getting worse
Do not take it, or take care, if
- If the child vomits within 30 minutes, give the dose again
- Long-term high doses can cause copper deficiency (only as advised)
- Zinc does not replace ORS — always give both
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Ciprofloxacin
Zinc reduces ciprofloxacin absorption; take ciprofloxacin 2 hours before or 6 hours after.
- Doxycycline
Zinc reduces doxycycline absorption; take them at least 2 hours apart.
Minor1 medicineUsually not a problem, but tell your doctor.
- Ferrous sulfate
Iron and zinc compete for absorption; take them at different times.