This site is intended for healthcare professionals
FDA Hero  Banner - Multi-coloured pills and tablets
FDA Drug information

Zinc Sulfate

Read time: 5 mins
Marketing start date: 03 May 2024

Summary of product characteristics


Adverse Reactions

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS No zinc-related adverse reactions have been reported in clinical studies or post-marketing reports in patients receiving intravenously administered parenteral nutrition solutions containing zinc sulfate within the recommended dosage range. The following were identified in clinical studies or post-marketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: Adverse reactions with other components of parenteral nutrition solutions: • Pulmonary embolism due to pulmonary vascular precipitates [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Vein damage and thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Aluminum toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Adverse reactions with the use of zinc-containing products administered by other routes of administration: • Copper deficiency [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] • Hypersensitivity reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] No zinc-related adverse reactions in patients receiving intravenously administered parenteral nutrition solutions containing zinc within the recommended dosage range. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Piramal Critical Care at 1-888-822-8431 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. Revised: 06/2023

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Zinc Sulfate Injection is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to zinc [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ]. ​Known hypersensitivity to zinc ( 4 , 5.6 ).

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Zinc Sulfate Injection, USP is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, clear, colorless, and odorless solution intended for use as a trace element and an additive to intravenous solutions for parenteral nutrition. 10 mg/10 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package vial: Each mL contains 1 mg of zinc present as 2.46 mg of zinc sulfate and water for injection q.s. All presentations do not contain preservatives. The pH range is 2 to 4; pH may be adjusted with sulfuric acid. 1 mg/mL of Zinc Sulfate Injection, USP contains no more than 1,500 mcg/L of aluminum and has a calculated osmolarity of 33 mOsmol/L. Zinc sulfate heptahydrate, USP has a molecular weight of 287.6 g/mol and a formula of ZnSO 4 · 7H 2 O. molecule structure

Dosage And Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Pharmacy Bulk Package. Not for direct intravenous infusion. ( 2.1 ) • See full prescribing information for information on preparation, administration, and general dosing considerations. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 ) Recommended Dosage and Monitoring ( 2.5 ) • Zinc Sulfate Injection provides 1 mg/mL of zinc. • Zinc Sulfate Injection in a concentration of 1 mg/mL is recommended for use in pediatric patients, particularly those weighing less than 12 kg. • Individualize the dosage based upon the patient's clinical condition, nutritional requirements, and the contribution of oral or enteral zinc intake. • The dosage of Zinc Sulfate Injection should be individualized based on the patient’s clinical condition, nutritional requirements, and the contribution of oral or enteral zinc intake. • Adults : The recommended adult dosage is 3 mg/day for metabolically stable patients, with potential need for a higher daily dosage in monitored patients with small bowel fluid loss or excess stool or ileostomy output. • Pediatrics: The recommended dosage in pediatric patients is shown by age and estimated weight. The dosages in the table are general recommendations intended for most pediatric patients. However, based on clinical requirements, some patients may require a higher dosage. Population Estimated Weight for Age Recommended Daily Dosage Pediatric Patients 10 kg and above 50 mcg/kg (up to 3 mg/day) 5 kg to less than 10 kg 100 mcg/kg Term Neonates 3 kg to less than 5 kg 250 mcg/kg* Preterm Neonates Less than 3 kg 400 mcg/kg *Term neonates have higher requirements in the first 3 months of life • Monitor zinc concentrations and signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency, especially in pediatric patients, during treatment. Zinc concentrations may vary depending on the assay used and the laboratory reference range. The collection, processing, and storage of the blood samples for zinc analysis should be performed according to the laboratory’s sample requirements. Zinc concentrations in hemolyzed samples are falsely elevated due to release of zinc from erythrocytes. The lower end of the reported range in healthy adults in serum is 60 mcg/dL. 2.1 Important Administration Information Zinc Sulfate Injection is supplied as a pharmacy bulk package for admixing use only. It is not for direct intravenous infusion . Prior to administration, Zinc Sulfate Injection must be transferred to a separate parenteral nutrition container, diluted and used as an admixture in parenteral nutrition solutions. The final parenteral nutrition solution is for intravenous infusion into a central or peripheral vein. The choice of a central or peripheral venous route should depend on the osmolarity of the final infusate. Solutions with osmolarity of 900 mOsmol/L or greater must be infused through a central catheter [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . 2.2 Preparation and Administration Instructions • Zinc Sulfate Injection is not for direct intravenous infusion . Prior to administration, Zinc Sulfate Injection must be prepared and used as an admixture in parenteral nutrition solutions. • Zinc Sulfate Injection is to be prepared only in a suitable work area such as a laminar flow hood (or an equivalent clean air compounding area). The key factor in the preparation is careful aseptic technique to avoid inadvertent touch contamination during mixing of solutions and addition of other nutrients. • Visually inspect the diluted parenteral nutrition solution containing Zinc Sulfate Injection for particulate matter before admixing, after admixing, and prior to administration. 2.3 Preparation Instructions for Admixing Using a Parenteral Nutrition Container • Inspect Zinc Sulfate Injection Bulk Pharmacy Package for particulate matter. • Transfer Zinc Sulfate Injection to the parenteral nutrition container following the admixture of amino acids, dextrose, lipid emulsion (if added), and electrolytes solutions. • Because additives may be incompatible, evaluate all additions to the parenteral nutrition container for compatibility and stability of the resulting preparation. Consult with pharmacist, if available.Questions about compatiblity may be directed to Piramal Critical Care. If it is deemed advisable to introduce additives to the parenteral nutrition container, use aseptic technique. • Inspect the final parenteral nutrition solution containing Zinc Sulfate Injection to ensure that: • Precipitates have not formed during mixing or addition on additives. • The emulsion has not separated, if lipid emulsion has been added. Separation of the emulsion can be visibly identified by a yellowish streaking or the accumulation of yellowish droplets in the admixed emulsion. • Discard if any precipitates are observed. Stability and Storage • Penetrate vial closure only one time with a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set that allows measured dispensing of the contents. • Use Zinc Sulfate Injection for admixing promptly once the sterile transfer set has been inserted into the Pharmacy Bulk Package container or not more than 4 hours at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) (25ºC/77ºF) after the container closure has been penetrated. Discard any remaining drug. • Use parenteral nutrition solutions containing Zinc Sulfate Injection promptly after mixing. Any storage of the admixture should be under refrigeration from 2ºC to 8ºC (36ºF to 46ºF) and limited to a period of time no longer than 9 days. After removal from refrigeration, use promptly and complete the infusion within 24 hours. Discard any remaining admixture. • Protect the admixed parenteral nutrition solution from light. 2.4 Dosing Considerations • The dosage of the final parenteral nutrition solution containing Zinc Sulfate Injection must be based on the concentrations of all components in the solution and the recommended daily nutritional requirements [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)] . Consult the prescribing information of all added components to determine the recommended nutritional requirements for dextrose and lipid emulsion, as applicable. • Prior to administration of parenteral nutrition solution containing Zinc Sulfate Injection, correct severe fluid, electrolyte and acid-base disorders. 2.5 Recommended Dosage and Monitoring in Adult and Pediatric Patients • Zinc Sulfate Injection provides 1 mg/mL of zinc. • Zinc Sulfate Injection in a concentration of 1 mg/mL is recommended for use in pediatric patients, particularly those weighing less than 12 kg • The dosage of Zinc Sulfate Injection should be individualized based on the patient’s clinical condition, nutritional requirements, and the contribution of oral or enteral zinc intake. Adults The recommended adult dosage is 3 mg/day for metabolically stable patients, with potential need for a higher daily dosage in monitored patients with small bowel fluid loss or excess stool or ileostomy output. Pediatric Patients The recommended pediatric dosage is shown in Table 1 by age and estimated weight. The dosages in Table 1 are general recommendations intended for most pediatric patients. However, based on clinical requirements, some patients may require a higher dosage. Table 1: Recommended Dosage of Zinc Sulfate Injection for Pediatric Patients by Age and Estimated Weight Population Estimated Weight for Age Recommended Daily Dosage Pediatric Patients 10 kg and above 50 mcg/kg (up to 3 mg/day) 5 kg to less than 10 kg 100 mcg/kg Term Neonates 3 kg to less than 5 kg 250 mcg/kg* Preterm Neonates Less than 3 kg 400 mcg/kg *Term neonates have higher requirements in the first 3 months of life Monitoring Monitor zinc concentrations during treatment. Also monitor patients clinically for signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency, especially in pediatrics. Zinc concentrations may vary depending on the assay used and the laboratory reference range. The collection, processing, and storage of the blood samples for zinc analysis should be performed according to the laboratory’s sample requirements. Zinc concentrations in hemolyzed samples are falsely elevated due to release of zinc from erythrocytes. The lower end of the reported range in healthy adults in serum is 60 mcg/dL.

Indications And Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Zinc Sulfate Injection is indicated in adult and pediatric patients as a source of zinc for parenteral nutrition when oral or enteral nutrition is not possible, insufficient, or contraindicated. Zinc Sulfate Injection is a trace element indicated in adult and pediatric patients as a source of zinc for parenteral nutrition when oral or enteral nutrition is not possible, insufficient, or contraindicated. ( 1 )

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE There are reported cases of overdosage with intravenous zinc in parenteral nutrition: • Seven adult patients received an inadvertent overdosage of 50 mg to 75 mg elemental zinc per day in parenteral nutrition solution for 26 to 60 days; 6 of the 7 patients developed hyperamylasemia (peak amylase values of 557 to 1850 Klein units; normal: 130 to 310). Amylase was not reported in one patient. Serum zinc concentrations ranged from 310 to 670 mcg/dL. None of the patients developed clinical signs of pancreatitis. Five of the 7 patients died of septic complications. • One adult patient died of infectious complications after receiving an inadvertent overdosage of 7.4 grams of zinc sulfate (equivalent to 1.2 grams of elemental zinc per day for 2.5 days) in parenteral nutrition solution over 60 hours. The serum zinc concentration was 4184 mcg/dL. Symptoms of zinc overdosage also included hyperamylasemia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, vomiting and diarrhea. • One preterm infant born at 26 weeks gestation died of cardiac failure following a medication error in which the parenteral nutrition solution contained 330 mg/100 mL instead of 330 mcg/100 mL of zinc sulfate (overdosage of 1000-fold). Management There is no known antidote for acute zinc toxicity. Management of zinc overdosage is supportive care based on presenting signs and symptoms.

Clinical Pharmacology

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Zinc is an essential trace element. Zinc functions as a cofactor of various enzymes including DNA polymerases, RNA polymerases, alcohol dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatases. Zinc is a coordinator of protein structural folding, such as folding of “Zinc finger” motif that interacts with a variety of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. In addition, zinc is a catalyst of essential biochemical reactions, including activation of substrates of carbonic anhydrase in erythrocyte. Also, zinc is a signaling mediator modulating multiple signaling pathways. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Zinc sulfate exposure-response relationships and the time course of pharmacodynamic responses are unknown. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Distribution Over 85% of total body zinc is found in skeletal muscle and bone. Other organs containing zinc are the liver, kidney, skin, brain, and heart. In blood, zinc is mainly localized within erythrocytes. Approximately 80% of serum zinc is bound to albumin and the remainder to alpha2-macroglobulin and amino acids. Elimination In adults, zinc is primarily excreted via the gastrointestinal tract and eliminated in the feces. A smaller amount of zinc is excreted via the kidneys in the urine. Urinary zinc excretion rates in very low birth weight preterm infants are relatively high in the neonatal period, and they decline to a level on a body weight basis that is similar to that of normal adults by two months of age. Additionally, endogenous zinc loss occurs from hair, skin desquamation and sweat.

Effective Time

20231130

Version

1

Dosage And Administration Table

Population

Estimated Weight for Age

Recommended Daily Dosage

Pediatric Patients

10 kg and above

50 mcg/kg

(up to 3 mg/day)

5 kg to less than 10 kg

100 mcg/kg

Term Neonates

3 kg to less than 5 kg

250 mcg/kg*

Preterm Neonates

Less than 3 kg

400 mcg/kg

Dosage Forms And Strengths

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Zinc Sulfate Injection, USP: • 10 mg/10 mL (1 mg/mL) of zinc as a clear, colorless solution in a 10 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package vial. Zinc Sulfate Injection, USP: • 10 mg/10 mL (1 mg/mL) of zinc as a Pharmacy Bulk Package vial. ( 3 )

Spl Product Data Elements

Zinc Sulfate Zinc Sulfate SULFURIC ACID WATER ZINC SULFATE ZINC CATION

Application Number

ANDA216249

Brand Name

Zinc Sulfate

Generic Name

Zinc Sulfate

Product Ndc

66794-255

Product Type

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Route

INTRAVENOUS

Package Label Principal Display Panel

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL NDC 66794-255-42 Zinc Sulfate Injection, USP 10 mg*/10 mL (1 mg*/mL) of Zinc PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE - Not for Direct Infusion STERILE Rx only NDC 66794-255-02 Zinc Sulfate Injection, USP 10 mg*/10 mL (1 mg*/mL) of Zinc PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE - Not for Direct Infusion STERILE Rx only 10mg-carton 10mg-label

Recent Major Changes

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES Dosage and Administration Preparation Instructions for Admixing Using a Parenteral Nutrition Container ( 2.3 ) 10/2020 Recommended Dosage and Monitoring in Adult and Pediatric Patients ( 2.5 ) 10/2020

Recent Major Changes Table

Preparation Instructions for Admixing Using a Parenteral Nutrition Container ( 2.3)

10/2020

Recommended Dosage and Monitoring in Adult and Pediatric Patients ( 2.5)

10/2020

Spl Unclassified Section

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Inform patients, caregivers or home healthcare providers of the following risks of Zinc Sulfate Injection: • Pulmonary embolism due to pulmonary vascular precipitates [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] • Vein damage and thrombosis [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] • Aluminum toxicity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] • Copper deficiency [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] • Hypersensitivity reactions [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] Manufactured for: Piramal Critical Care Bethlehem, PA 18017, USA Product of India Revised: June 2023

Use In Specific Populations

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Administration of the approved recommended dose of Zinc Sulfate Injection in parenteral nutrition is not expected to cause major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with intravenous zinc sulfate. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated Maternal and/or Embryo-Fetal Risk Deficiency of trace elements, including zinc, is associated with adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Pregnant women have an increased metabolic demand for trace elements, including zinc. Parenteral nutrition with zinc should be considered if a pregnant woman’s nutritional requirements cannot be fulfilled by oral or enteral intake. 8.2 Lactation Risk summary Zinc is present in human milk. Administration of the approved recommended dose of Zinc Sulfate Injection in parenteral nutrition is not expected to cause harm to a breastfed infant. There is no information on the effects of zinc sulfate on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Zinc Sulfate Injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Zinc Sulfate Injection or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Zinc Sulfate Injection is approved for use in the pediatric population, including neonates, as a source of zinc for parenteral nutrition when oral or enteral nutrition is not possible, insufficient, or contraindicated. Safety and dosing recommendations in pediatric patients are based on published literature describing controlled studies of zinc-containing products in pediatric patients [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Because of immature renal function, preterm infants receiving prolonged parenteral nutrition treatment with Zinc Sulfate Injection may be at higher risk of aluminum toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . 8.5 Geriatric Use Reported clinical experience with intravenous zinc sulfate has not identified a difference in zinc requirements between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection should be individualized based on the patient’s clinical condition, nutritional requirements, and additional nutritional intake provided orally or enterally to the patient.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Zinc Sulfate Injection, USP is a clear, colorless solution supplied as: • 10 mg/10 mL (1 mg/mL) of zinc in a 10 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package vial. Cartons of 25 vials (NDC 66794-255-42).. Vial closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [ see USP Controlled Room Temperature] . For storage of admixed solution s ee Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ) .

Learning Zones

The Learning Zones are an educational resource for healthcare professionals that provide medical information on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and burden of disease, as well as diagnostic techniques and treatment regimens.

Disclaimer

The drug Prescribing Information (PI), including indications, contra-indications, interactions, etc, has been developed using the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as a source (www.fda.gov).

Medthority offers the whole library of PI documents from the FDA. Medthority will not be held liable for explicit or implicit errors, or missing data.

Drugs appearing in this section are approved by the FDA. For regions outside of the United States, this content is for informational purposes only and may not be aligned with local regulatory approvals or guidance.