 Chemical model | |
| Clinical data | |
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| Pronunciation | zink SUL fate |
| Trade names | Solvazinc, Micro-Zn, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Professional Drug Facts |
| License data | |
| Routes of administration | By mouth, intravenous |
| Drug class | Trace element |
| ATC code | |
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| CAS Number | |
| PubChemCID | |
| DrugBank | |
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| ChEMBL | |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | O4SZn |
| Molar mass | 161.44 g·mol−1 |
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Zinc sulfate is used medically as adietary supplement.[1] Specifically it is used to treatzinc deficiency and to prevent the condition in those at high risk.[1] This includes use together withoral rehydration therapy for children who havediarrhea.[2] General use is not recommended.[1] It may be takenby mouth or byinjection into a vein.[1]
Side effects may includeabdominal pain,vomiting,headache, and feeling tired.[2] While normal doses are deemed safe inpregnancy andbreastfeeding, the safety of larger doses is unclear.[3] Greater care should be taken in those withkidney problems.[2]Zinc is anessential mineral in people as well as other animals.[4]
The medical use ofzinc sulfate began as early as the 1600s.[5] It is on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[6] Zinc sulfate is available as ageneric medication.[7] andover the counter.[1][3]
The use of zinc sulfate supplements together withoral rehydration therapy decreases the number of bowel movements and the time until thediarrhea stops.[2] Its use in this situation is recommended by theWorld Health Organization.[2]
There is some evidence zinc is effective in reducing hepatic and neurological symptoms ofWilson's disease.[8]
Zinc sulfate is also an important part ofparenteral nutrition.[1]
During the1918 flu pandemic inNew Zealand, inhalation chambers were set up in towns and cities as a means to boost immunity. The public were encouraged to attend these chambers and inhale a zinc sulfate mist, a process that was said to disinfect the lungs and throat and protect against infection. In reality, the inhalation of hot steam could inflame the nasal tissue, potentially making participants more susceptible to infection.[9]
In towns such asAshburton, New Zealand for example, in order to be eligible to travel by train, people had to present documentation at the train station proving that they had been through the inhalation chamber.[10]
The inhalation chamber which was set up in the oldDunedin Post Office building was described as follows: "It was a small room, relatively airtight, holding 20 or 30 persons, and the air is impregnated with the vapour of zinc sulphate. Each batch remains in the chamber for 10 minutes, and the persons treated are instructed to breathe through the nose at first, and then through the mouth."[11]
