Copper Sulfate
Copper sulfate is a copper salt compound primarily used as an agricultural fungicide and algaecide, as well as in water treatment and industrial applications. In veterinary medicine, it may be used to address copper deficiencies in livestock. It is classified under ATC group V03 (all other therapeutic products) rather than as a conventional medication.
Copper sulfate is primarily an agricultural and industrial compound used as a fungicide and algaecide, with limited veterinary applications for copper deficiency.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- V03AB20
- RxNorm
- 2670
- Generic
- Copper Sulfate
- Class
- atc-v03
- Brands
- Hemocyte Plus, Hemax, Macuvite with Lutein, Lactocal, Concept OB, Tandem Plus, Multitrace-4, Multitrace-5, Multrys, Tralement
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- A
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- oral, intravenous
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, injectable solution, powder
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia
- Monitoring
- serum copper, ceruloplasmin, liver function tests, complete blood count
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2mg elemental copper daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1mg elemental copper daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2mg elemental copper daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if copper deficiency confirmed
copper supplementation during pregnancy should only be considered when deficiency is documented through laboratory testing
regular serum copper and ceruloplasmin monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if copper deficiency confirmed
continue supplementation only if benefits outweigh risks and deficiency is documented
regular serum copper monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if copper deficiency confirmed
copper requirements increase in third trimester but supplementation should be medically supervised
regular monitoring of copper status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingadjust dose based on maternal copper status
copper is secreted in breast milk; supplementation should be based on maternal copper levels
monitor maternal and infant copper levels if supplementing
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants 0 12 monthsweight-based dosing under medical supervision
use only for documented copper deficiency or wilson's disease under pediatric supervision
regular serum copper and ceruloplasmin monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 12 yearsweight-based dosing typically 50-100 mcg copper daily
typically used for wilson's disease or documented deficiency under physician supervision
regular monitoring of copper levels and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusstart with lower dose and titrate based on response
elderly patients may have altered copper metabolism; monitor closely for toxicity
regular serum copper monitoring and assessment of liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno major dose adjustment typically required
copper is primarily excreted via biliary route; monitor copper levels
monitor serum copper levels periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose and extend dosing interval
use with caution; copper levels should be monitored closely
frequent serum copper and ceruloplasmin monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentuse with caution
copper metabolism is hepatic; monitor liver function tests
regular liver function tests and serum copper monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid unless benefits outweigh risks
avoid copper supplementation in severe hepatic impairment due to impaired copper metabolism and excretion
frequent monitoring if use is unavoidable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol consumptionuse with caution and monitor closely
alcohol affects copper metabolism and may increase copper levels; avoid excessive supplementation
regular serum copper and liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
General usage information for agricultural and industrial applications
Drug class
Classification as dietary supplement and pesticide active ingredient
Common uses
Primary therapeutic and agricultural applications
Toxicity class
Toxicity classification for human exposure
This compound is primarily used for agricultural purposes to control fungal diseases in crops and as an algaecide for water treatment. In veterinary medicine, it may be used for copper deficiency in animals. It is not typically used as a conventional medication in human healthcare.
Copper sulfate works by releasing copper ions that are toxic to fungi, algae, and certain microorganisms. The exact mechanism varies by application—agricultural uses target plant pathogens while water treatment applications control unwanted biological growth.
Copper sulfate is toxic if ingested and must be handled with appropriate protective equipment. Agricultural use is regulated to prevent environmental contamination. Medical use is extremely limited, and it should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications without professional guidance.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy