Drug Study – Zinc Drops

Overview of Zinc:

Zinc is a mineral. It is called an "essential trace element" because very small amounts of zinc
are necessary for human health. Since the human body does not store excess zinc, it must be
consumed regularly as part of the diet. Common dietary sources of zinc include red meat,
poultry, and fish. Zinc deficiency can cause short stature, reduced ability to taste food, and
the inability of testes and ovaries to function properly.

Zinc is taken by mouth for the treatment and prevention of zinc deficiency and its
consequences, including stunted growth and acute diarrhea in children, slow wound healing,
and Wilson's disease.

It is also used for boosting the immune system, improving growth and health in zinc deficient
infants and children, for treating the common cold and recurrent ear infections, the flu, upper
respiratory tract infections, preventing and treating lower respiratory infections, swine flu,
bladder infections, ringing in the ears, and severe head injuries. It is also used for malaria and
other diseases caused by parasites.

Zinc supplementation may benefit children aged 6 months or more. The current evidence
does not support the use of zinc supplementation in children less than 6 months of age.

Generic Name:

Zinc sulphate, Zinc acetate, Zinc gluconate

Brand Names:

Orazinc, Zincate

General Classification:

Mineral

Mechanism of Action:

Restores mucosal barrier integrity and enterocyte brush-border enzyme activity, it

promotes the production of antibodies and circulating lymphocytes against intestinal
pathogens, and has a direct effect on ion channels, acting as a potassium channel blocker
of adenosine 3-5-cyclic monophosphate-mediated chlorine secretion.

Route of Dosage:

Zinc drops (oral drops). Can be added to drinks or food, or taken from a drop orally.
Intravenous (for adult) – must be diluted
Ophthalmic minor eye irritations (for adults)

Indications:

For those who have:

Diarrhea. Taking zinc by mouth reduces the duration and severity of diarrhea in

children who are undernourished or zinc deficient. Severe zinc deficiency in children
is common in developing countries. Also giving zinc to undernourished women
during pregnancy and for one month after delivery reduces the incidence of diarrhea
in infants during the first year of life.

Diaper rash. Giving zinc gluconate by mouth to infants seems to speed up the

healing of diaper rash. Applying zinc oxide paste also seems to improve the healing
of diaper rash. However, it doesn't seem to work as well as applying 2% eosin
solution.

Food poisoning (shigellosis). Research shows that taking a multivitamin syrup

containing zinc along with conventional treatment can improve recovery time and
reduce diarrhea in undernourished children with food poisoning.

Contraindications:

- Hypersensitivity

- Zinc is not for direct injection into peripheral vein as it may cause infusion phlebitis

- Injection contains aluminum, which may cause toxicity in prolonged parenteral

administration if renal function is impaired

- Do not use zinc intranasally (as in Zicam) due to risk of permanent loss of smell

Adverse Reactions:

Routine zinc supplementation is not recommended without the advice of a healthcare

professional. Too much zinc might cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste,
kidney and stomach damage, and other side effects. Using zinc on broken skin may cause
burning, stinging, itching, and tingling.

Nursing Responsibility:

- Check the doctor’s order to make sure the proper dosage is given for the appropriate
age group
- Identify the patient
- Inform patient on side effects and if they occur, call the health care provider
- Identify food sources with good zinc (meat, seafoods, seeds, nuts, dairy, eggs,
whole grains)