ZINC CHLORIDE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ZINC CHLORIDE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (ZINC CHLORIDE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
Zinc is an essential trace element that serves as a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in protein synthesis, nucleic acid metabolism, and cell division. It stabilizes cell membranes and modulates immune function. In wound healing, zinc promotes epithelialization and collagen synthesis.
| Metabolism | Zinc is primarily absorbed in the duodenum and jejunum. It undergoes enterohepatic circulation and is excreted mainly in feces (biliary and pancreatic secretions) and urine to a lesser extent. |
| Excretion | Primarily renal (fecal minimal). Urinary excretion accounts for >90% of absorbed zinc. Biliary excretion is negligible. |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 1-2 hours for ionic zinc, but may be prolonged up to 12-24 hours in zinc-replete states due to redistribution. Clinical context: short half-life supports frequent dosing in parenteral nutrition. |
| Protein binding | Approximately 60-70% bound to albumin (mainly) and α2-macroglobulin. Free fraction is ~30-40%. |
| Volume of Distribution | Vd ≈ 1.0-1.5 L/kg, indicating distribution into total body water and extensive tissue binding (e.g., muscle, bone, liver). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% (direct administration). Not applicable for oral or other routes in this container formulation. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous administration: onset within minutes for maintenance of zinc homeostasis, but clinical effect on wound healing or immune function may take days to weeks. No relevant oral route for this formulation. |
| Duration of Action | Duration of effect on serum zinc levels is 4-6 hours after a single IV dose; clinical effects on deficiency states require continuous supplementation for days to weeks. |
For total parenteral nutrition: 2.5-5 mg zinc (as zinc chloride) per day intravenously. For zinc deficiency: 0.5-1 mg zinc/kg/day IV. Route: IV infusion. Frequency: Daily.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | CrCl 10-50 mL/min: reduce dose by 50%. CrCl <10 mL/min: avoid use or monitor zinc levels closely. |
| Liver impairment | No specific Child-Pugh based adjustment. Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment; monitor zinc levels. |
| Pediatric use | For TPN: term infants: 250-300 mcg/kg/day IV; preterm infants: 400-450 mcg/kg/day IV; children 1-5 years: 50 mcg/kg/day IV; children >5 years: 2.5-5 mg/day IV. For deficiency: 0.5-1 mg zinc/kg/day IV. |
| Geriatric use | No specific dose adjustment. Monitor renal function and zinc levels; start at lower end of dosing range. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ZINC CHLORIDE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (ZINC CHLORIDE IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
| Breastfeeding | Zinc excretes into breast milk; levels increase with maternal supplementation. M/P ratio not established for parenteral zinc chloride. Therapeutic doses considered compatible with breastfeeding; monitor infant zinc levels if maternal deficiency or high-dose therapy. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Zinc chloride is an essential trace element; severe zinc deficiency can cause fetal malformations, but therapeutic supplementation at recommended doses is not teratogenic. No specific teratogenicity data for intravenous zinc chloride; animal studies at high doses show some fetal effects, but relevance unknown. First trimester: No known teratogenic risk at physiologic doses. Second/third trimester: No known risk at physiologic doses. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None.
| Serious Effects |
["Absolute: Hypersensitivity to zinc or any component of the formulation.","Relative: Severe renal failure (high risk of toxicity); history of copper deficiency."]
| Precautions | ["Use with caution in patients with renal impairment due to risk of accumulation.","Copper deficiency may occur with prolonged zinc supplementation; monitor copper levels.","Intravenous administration may cause phlebitis or tissue necrosis if extravasation occurs.","Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported."] |
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| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum zinc levels to avoid toxicity (target 70-120 mcg/dL). Monitor fetal growth and amniotic fluid index during prolonged therapy. Assess for maternal gastrointestinal symptoms, copper deficiency, and renal function. |
| Fertility Effects | Zinc is essential for reproductive function; deficiency may impair fertility. Therapeutic zinc supplementation does not adversely affect fertility; high doses may interfere with copper absorption and potentially affect spermatogenesis. |