Zinc Sulfate: Uses, How to Take It, Side Effects, and Warnings
Zinc sulfate is a supplement that supplies elemental zinc. Oral zinc is used to prevent or treat zinc deficiency, such as when dietary intake is low or the body does not absorb enough zinc. It may also be prescribed in higher doses for certain conditions, but those doses should be used only under medical supervision.
Use zinc sulfate only at the labeled dose or as directed by a clinician, because too much zinc can cause serious problems, including copper deficiency. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting it, especially if you take antibiotics, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to use it long term.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A12CB01
- RxNorm
- 39954
- Generic
- Zinc Sulfate
- Class
- atc-a12
- Brands
- Hemocyte Plus, Lactocal, Concept OB, Tandem Plus, Multitrace-4, Multitrace-5, Orazinc, Multrys, Tralement, Ellis Tonic, Eldertonic
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 3
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- oral, ophthalmic, intravenous
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, oral solution, ophthalmic solution, injectable solution
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia
- Monitoring
- serum zinc, serum copper, 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
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
only use if zinc deficiency is diagnosed and benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue only if zinc deficiency is present and benefits outweigh risks
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment typically required
zinc passes into breast milk, continue standard supplementation if deficient
monitor infant for signs of zinc excess
pediatric_age
infants childrenweight-based dosing required
use pediatric formulation, do not exceed recommended daily allowance
monitor growth and zinc levels periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlymay require dose reduction in frail elderly
assess renal function before initiating therapy
periodic monitoring of zinc and copper levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderate ckdreduce dose, monitor serum levels
use with caution, dose adjustment based on renal function
regular monitoring of serum zinc and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe ckd dialysissignificant dose reduction or avoid
dialysis patients often require zinc supplementation but dosing must be individualized
frequent serum zinc monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderatemay require dose adjustment
use with caution in liver disease
monitor liver function and serum zinc levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Zinc sulfate is classified as a dietary supplement/mineral
Common uses
Primary therapeutic use for zinc supplementation
Commonly prescribed since
Longstanding availability as OTC and prescription supplement
Mechanism of action
Provides zinc for enzymatic functions and immune support
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 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy