Z-Sil
Generic Name
Z-sil
Manufacturer
Multiple manufacturers (e.g., Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)
Country
Bangladesh (locally manufactured)
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| z sil 10 mg syrup | ৳ 25.17 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Z-sil (Zinc Sulfate) is an essential trace element important for immune function, wound healing, cell division, and growth. It is primarily used to treat zinc deficiency and as an adjuvant therapy for acute diarrhea in children.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For deficiency: 50 mg elemental zinc daily. For wound healing/specific conditions: 220 mg zinc sulfate (50 mg elemental zinc) three times daily.
Elderly
Same as adults, but monitor renal function and potential drug interactions more closely.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution in severe renal impairment; dose adjustment may be necessary due to reduced excretion.
How to Take
Oral administration, usually with or after food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Dispersible tablets can be dissolved in a small amount of water or breast milk. Do not crush or chew film-coated tablets.
Mechanism of Action
Zinc is a co-factor for over 300 enzymes involved in DNA and RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and immune function. In diarrhea, it helps to restore gut integrity and fluid absorption, and modulates immune response.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects for diarrhea can be observed within days; for deficiency, weeks to months.
Excretion
Primarily excreted in feces (90%); small amounts in urine (2-10%) and sweat.
Half life
Approximately 2-3 hours in plasma, but longer in tissues (e.g., bone, muscle, liver).
Absorption
Variable absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, influenced by food. Bioavailability is approximately 20-30%.
Metabolism
Not metabolized extensively; mainly incorporated into proteins and enzymes. Exists as free ions and protein-bound.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to zinc salts or any component of the formulation
- Acute renal failure (high doses or long-term use should be carefully monitored)
Drug Interactions
Copper
High doses of zinc (e.g., >50 mg elemental zinc daily for prolonged periods) can induce copper deficiency by competing for absorption and increasing metallothionein synthesis.
Penicillamine
Zinc can reduce the absorption of penicillamine. Administer zinc at least 2 hours apart.
Iron supplements
High doses of iron can interfere with zinc absorption. Separate administration times by at least 2 hours.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase urinary excretion of zinc.
Tetracyclines & Quinolones
Zinc can chelate with these antibiotics, reducing their absorption. Take zinc at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after these medications.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze liquid formulations.
Overdose
Acute overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and sometimes bloody diarrhea. Chronic overdose can lead to copper deficiency, microcytic anemia, neurological dysfunction, and impaired immune function. Management involves supportive care; gastric lavage may be considered for acute large ingestions. Chelating agents (e.g., EDTA, penicillamine) may be considered in severe cases of chronic overdose to manage copper deficiency.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe in recommended doses during pregnancy and lactation to prevent or treat deficiency. Essential for fetal growth and milk production. Consult a doctor for specific advice and appropriate dosing.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to zinc salts or any component of the formulation
- Acute renal failure (high doses or long-term use should be carefully monitored)
Drug Interactions
Copper
High doses of zinc (e.g., >50 mg elemental zinc daily for prolonged periods) can induce copper deficiency by competing for absorption and increasing metallothionein synthesis.
Penicillamine
Zinc can reduce the absorption of penicillamine. Administer zinc at least 2 hours apart.
Iron supplements
High doses of iron can interfere with zinc absorption. Separate administration times by at least 2 hours.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase urinary excretion of zinc.
Tetracyclines & Quinolones
Zinc can chelate with these antibiotics, reducing their absorption. Take zinc at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after these medications.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze liquid formulations.
Overdose
Acute overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and sometimes bloody diarrhea. Chronic overdose can lead to copper deficiency, microcytic anemia, neurological dysfunction, and impaired immune function. Management involves supportive care; gastric lavage may be considered for acute large ingestions. Chelating agents (e.g., EDTA, penicillamine) may be considered in severe cases of chronic overdose to manage copper deficiency.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe in recommended doses during pregnancy and lactation to prevent or treat deficiency. Essential for fetal growth and milk production. Consult a doctor for specific advice and appropriate dosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 to 36 months, depending on formulation and manufacturer
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals, health centers
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Generic available, Patent expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials and meta-analyses support the efficacy of zinc supplementation in reducing the duration and severity of acute diarrhea in children, as well as in treating and preventing zinc deficiency. WHO and UNICEF recommendations for zinc in diarrhea management are based on robust clinical evidence.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum zinc levels (if deficiency is suspected, during treatment, or for long-term therapy)
- Serum copper levels (with long-term high dose zinc therapy to prevent deficiency)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) (if anemia or leukopenia suspected)
- Renal function tests (in elderly or renally impaired patients)
Doctor Notes
- For acute diarrhea in children, administer Z-sil for 10-14 days to maximize benefits in reducing recurrence and severity.
- Advise patients that Z-sil is best taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption, but with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs.
- Be aware of potential drug interactions, especially with quinolones, tetracyclines, iron, and copper supplements. Adjust dosing schedules accordingly.
- Monitor for signs of copper deficiency in patients on long-term high-dose zinc therapy.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Z-sil exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose, as excessive zinc can cause adverse effects.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
- For children with diarrhea, ensure adequate fluid intake and continue breastfeeding (if applicable) alongside Z-sil.
- Complete the full course of treatment, especially for diarrhea, even if symptoms improve earlier.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Z-sil is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience any side effects like dizziness or lethargy, avoid such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in zinc-containing foods (e.g., red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, whole grains, dairy products).
- Hydrate adequately, especially during diarrheal episodes, to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can interfere with zinc levels.
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