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Zinc Chloride

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 27, 2026

Zinc Chloride is an essential trace element supplement used as an additive in parenteral nutrition and IV solutions to prevent or treat zinc deficiency. It is administered to patients who cannot receive adequate zinc through oral intake, such as those on long-term intravenous nutrition or with malabsorption conditions.

Quick summary

Zinc Chloride provides essential zinc supplementation for patients with deficiencies, particularly those requiring parenteral nutrition.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 27, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
B05
RxNorm
unknown
Generic
Zinc Chloride
Class
atc-b05
Brands
Bucalsep
Availability
otc
Pregnancy
A
Lactation
safe
Half-life (h)
1
Onset (min)
5
Duration (h)
2
Routes
oral, topical
Forms
mouthwash, solution
Regions
Spain, Europe
Monitoring
none

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

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose of approximately 10 grams may cause serious toxicity and potentially fatal outcomes
Chronic overdose: Prolonged daily intake exceeding 40-60 mg can lead to copper deficiency and neurological complications
Immediate actions
Do not induce vomiting due to corrosive nature; gastric lavage with caution; administer activated charcoal if within 1 hour; supportive care
Antidote
Chelation therapy with EDTA or penicillamine may be used(Effectiveness varies; early intervention improves outcomes; supportive care is primary treatment)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

7 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use only if clearly needed

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, consult healthcare provider

Monitor

regular prenatal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use only if clearly needed

Key Recommendations

avoid prolonged use, consult healthcare provider before use

Monitor

regular prenatal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

lactation

breastfeeding
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment typically needed

Key Recommendations

avoid breast-feeding immediately after use, wait at least 30 minutes

Monitor

monitor infant for gastrointestinal disturbances

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pediatric_age

children under 12
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

not recommended for children under 6 years, supervise use in older children to prevent accidental ingestion

Monitor

monitor for signs of zinc toxicity

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

geriatric

elderly over 65
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment typically needed

Key Recommendations

use as directed, may have increased mucosal sensitivity

Monitor

regular oral examination

⚠

renal_impairment

mild to moderate renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

monitor for zinc accumulation with prolonged use

Key Recommendations

use with caution in patients with renal impairment, consider periodic monitoring of serum zinc levels

Monitor

monitor serum zinc levels and renal function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate hepatic impairment
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment typically needed

Key Recommendations

no specific dosage adjustment needed for topical oral rinse

Monitor

routine monitoring

Statistics and clinical data

formulationIUPAC
2023

Chemical formula

Value:ZnCl2

Molecular composition of Zinc Chloride

usageFDA
2023

Medical applications

Value:Dental astringent, topical antiseptic

Approved uses in pharmaceutical formulations

productFDA
2023

Brand name

Value:Bucalsep

Brand name containing Zinc Chloride

Zinc deficiency prevention and treatment in patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition, malabsorption syndromes, severe diarrhea, burns, and conditions requiring IV fluid therapy where zinc supplementation is medically necessary.

Zinc chloride dissociates into zinc and chloride ions when administered, providing bioavailable zinc that serves as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in protein synthesis, immune function, wound healing, and nucleic acid metabolism.

Should be administered only under medical supervision with monitoring of zinc levels. Solution compatibility with other IV additives should be verified. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Local irritation at injection site may occur.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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