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BLOOD AND BLOOD FORMING ORGANS › BLOOD SUBSTITUTES AND PERFUSION SOLUTIONS › I.V. SOLUTION ADDITIVES › Electrolyte solutions
zinc chloride
B05XA12
Forms & Strengths
- Intravenous injection: 1 mg zinc/mL (as zinc chloride) in 10 mL vials
- Compounding concentrate for IV infusion: 2.1 mg/mL
- Oral solution: various concentrations (often combined with other trace elements)
Adult Dosing
- Stable adult with fluid loss: 2.5 to 4 mg elemental zinc daily intravenously
- Metabolic stress (moderate to severe): Add 2 mg elemental zinc daily to IV nutrition
- Stable adult with intestinal fistula/fluid loss: Add 12.2 mg elemental zinc per liter of stool/ileostomy fluid lost
Pediatric Dosing
- Premature infants (birth to 3 kg): 300 mcg elemental zinc/kg daily IV
- Full-term infants and children up to 5 years: 100 mcg elemental zinc/kg daily IV
- Children over 5 years: 2.5 to 5 mg elemental zinc daily IV
Indications
- Prophylaxis and treatment of zinc deficiency in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
- Maintenance of zinc trace element requirements during intravenous nutrition
Mechanism of Action
- Acts as an essential cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions including DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, and carbonic anhydrase
- Supports cellular growth, protein synthesis, immune function, and wound healing by maintaining structural integrity of proteins and membranes
Contraindications
- Pre-existing hypersensitivity to zinc or any component of the formulation
- Direct, undiluted intravenous injection (must be diluted prior to administration to avoid severe hyperosmolality, phlebitis, and tissue necrosis)
Adverse Reactions
- Local: Phlebitis, venous thrombosis, and tissue irritation at the injection site
- Systemic (with rapid infusion or overdose): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, dizziness, sweating, and hypothermia
- Chronic toxicity: Copper deficiency, sideroblastic anemia, and neutropenia
Drug Interactions
- Penicillamine: May decrease the absorption and increase the excretion of zinc, potentially reducing its efficacy
- Thiazide diuretics: May increase urinary excretion of zinc
- Iron and calcium supplements: High doses can competitively inhibit intestinal absorption of oral zinc formulations
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use