Zinc Sulphate

Oral
Zinc deficiency
Adult: 50 mg of elemental zinc tid.
Intravenous
Zinc deficiency
Adult: 6.5 mg elemental zinc (100 micromoles) daily. 
Ophthalmic
Minor eye irritation
Adult: In combination with a vasoconstrictor, 1-2 drops are instilled into the eye 2-4 times daily.

Incompatibility: Mixing sodium borate, glycerin and methylcellulose with zinc sulfate may cause preciptation.

Oral/IV: Monitor CBC and serum cholesterol to detect early signs of copper deficiency, especially if prolonged high dose use of zinc. Topical: Consult medical advice if relief not seen within 3 days.

Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastric irritation, gastritis. Prolonged use may cause copper deficiency (e.g. sideroblastic anaemia, neutropenia)

Reduced absorption of both zinc and oral iron supplements, penicillamine and tetracyclines when admin concomitantly. Phosphorus-containing preparations reduce zinc absorption. Zn sulfate reduces absorption of copper and flouroquinolones e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin. Reduced zinc absorption with calcium co-admin. Reduced bisphosphonates absorption with concurrent zinc admin.

Absorption of Zn sulfate is reduced by milk, phytates (present in cereals, rice, corn, legumes) and some minerals (e.g. iron, calcium).

As an ophthalmic preparation, zinc sulfate precipitates protein and this is responsible for the astringent and weak antiseptic activity of Zn sulfate. It also produces mild vasodilation. Zinc sulfate can also be used orally or systemically as a zinc supplement. 220 mg of zinc sulfate (heptahydrate) contains 50 mg of elemental zinc.
Absorption: Following oral administration, 20-30% of dietary Zn is absorbed.
Distribution: Widely distributed but concentrated within the muscle, bone, skin and prostatic fluids.
Excretion: Primarily via faeces at approx 90%; small amounts via urine at approx 2% and via perspiration.