Book contents
Z
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 November 2014
Summary
ZINC
Zinc is an essential constituent of many enzymes. Deficiencies in zinc may result in poor wound healing. Zinc deficiency can occur in patients on inadequate diets, in malabsorption, with increased catabolism due to trauma, burns and protein-losing conditions, and during TPN.
Hypoproteinaemia spuriously lowers plasma zinc levels.
Normal range: 12–23 μmol/l
Uses
Zinc deficiency
As an antioxidant (p. 288)
Administration
• Orally: zinc sulphate effervescent tablet 125 mg dissolved in water, 1–3 times daily after food
• IV: 1 mmol zinc sulphate diluted in 250 ml glucose 5% or sodium chloride 0.9%, given over 2 hours
Available as 1 mmol zinc sulphate in 10 ml vial
Adverse effects
Abdominal pains
Dyspepsia
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Handbook of Drugs in Intensive CareAn A-Z Guide, pp. 241 - 242Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2014