[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Minerals](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/minerals/) › Zinc sulfate

# Zinc sulfate

## Minerals?

Minerals

A zinc salt that WHO recommends, with oral rehydration, for every child with diarrhoea: it shortens episodes and prevents new ones.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Minerals](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/minerals/)

**Target**
Cofactor of many enzymes; supports gut lining repair and immunity

**Used for**
Acute diarrhoea in children · Zinc deficiency

**Key effects**
Nausea

**Monitor**
Hydration and stool frequency

**ATC**
A12CB01

No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## Mechanism of action

Zinc is needed for cell division and growth, wound healing, immune function, taste and smell. In children with diarrhoea, zinc supplements shorten the episode, make it less severe and lower the chance of another one in the following months, although exactly how is not fully understood. Zinc deficiency is common worldwide and limits growth and resistance to infection.

- Zinc restores enzyme and immune function
- The intestinal lining recovers faster
- Diarrhoea is shorter and milder; fewer new episodes

## Indications

- Acute diarrhoea in children, together with oral rehydration salts, for ten to fourteen days [Acute (viral) gastroenteritis →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acute-gastroenteritis/)
- Zinc deficiency [Zinc deficiency (acrodermatitis enteropathica) →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/zinc-deficiency/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea with large amounts

### Serious (rare, important)

- Long-term excess can cause copper, iron or magnesium deficiency

## Contraindications

- Hypersensitivity to the product

## Key interactions

**Oral rehydration salts**
Given together in childhood diarrhoea: ORS treats dehydration, zinc shortens the episode

**Copper**
Long-term high zinc intake lowers copper and can cause copper deficiency

## What is monitored

- Hydration and stool frequency in diarrhoea
- Growth in children with deficiency

## Administration and safety

- The full course is completed even after the diarrhoea stops.
- Infants under six months receive a different regimen.
- Zinc never replaces oral rehydration: both are given.

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Zinc is needed for growth and development in pregnancy; supplements beyond needs are avoided.

## Nursing care

- Teach caregivers to give zinc every day for the whole course along with oral rehydration salts.
- Check for danger signs of dehydration during diarrhoea.
- Explain that vomiting can occur and does not mean zinc should be stopped without advice.

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Absorbed by mouth in the small intestine

## Memory aid

«ORS + Zinc, every drip»: rehydration saves today, zinc shortens this episode and prevents the next.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What does WHO recommend alongside oral rehydration salts for children with diarrhoea?

Zinc supplements for ten to fourteen days.

## Which three benefits does zinc have in childhood diarrhoea?

Shorter duration, less severity and fewer episodes later.

## Which mineral can become deficient with long-term excess zinc?

Copper (also iron and magnesium).

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/zinc-sulfate/)

[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 1

- [Oral rehydration salts](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/oral-rehydration-salts/)

## Related conditions 2

- [Acute (viral) gastroenteritis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acute-gastroenteritis/)
- [Zinc deficiency (acrodermatitis enteropathica)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/zinc-deficiency/)

[← Back to the class: Minerals](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/minerals/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Zinc supplementation in the management of diarrhoea](https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/zinc-diarrhoea) (World Health Organization (eLENA), 2023); [Zinc in diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002416.htm) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=A12CB01) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/zinc-sulfate/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/zinc-sulfate/