Zincteral

Zincteral is a preparation containing the active substance zinc sulfate, which is used for the treatment and prevention of conditions associated with zinc deficiency. Zinc is an important trace element necessary for many biological processes in the body. It plays a key role in the immune system, growth and development processes, and is involved in more than 300 enzymes. Zincteral is usually prescribed for diagnosed zinc deficiency, which can manifest as impaired wound healing, hair loss, diarrhea, stunted growth in children and decreased appetite.

Zinc also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helps normalize immune function, and may play a role in preventing and treating certain types of infections and chronic diseases. However, despite its importance to health, excessive zinc intake can lead to toxic effects, so its intake should be monitored and in accordance with recommended dosages.

Indications Zincterala

1. Zinc deficiency: Treatment and prevention of conditions associated with zinc deficiency in the body, which may manifest as stunted growth in children, impaired wound healing, hair loss, diarrhea and poor appetite.
2. Skin conditions: Including dermatitis, acne and wounds, where zinc helps accelerate skin repair processes.
3. Immunodeficiency conditions: Zinc improves immune response and may be useful in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.
4. Diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation: Including arthritis, where zinc may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Release form

• Capsules: Zincteral capsules contain the active substance in the form of zinc sulfate. They are easy to swallow and are designed to dissolve in the stomach. The capsules are convenient for accurate dosing and are usually prescribed for adults and children over a certain age.
• Tablets: The tablet form of Zincteral also contains zinc in the form of sulfate. Tablets may be preferred by those who prefer this form to capsules. Sometimes tablets can be divided to adjust the dose if the instructions for use allow it.

Both forms are intended to be taken orally and should be taken according to your doctor's recommendations or the instructions on the package.

Pharmacodynamics

Zincteral has a number of pharmacodynamic properties that make it effective in the treatment and prevention of conditions associated with zinc deficiency. Zinc is important for many biological processes in the body, including the maintenance of immune function, inflammatory responses, antioxidant defense, and growth and development.

1. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action: Zinc is involved in the regulation of oxidative stress and has antioxidant properties. It protects cells from free radical damage and supports normal immune system function. Zinc also plays a role in modulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and may reduce inflammation.
2. Involvement in immune function: Zinc is essential for the development and function of immune cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages. Zinc deficiency can lead to impaired immune response, increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
3. Effect on Growth and Development: Zinc plays a key role in cellular growth, division and differentiation, making it an important element for proper tissue development and repair.
4. Reproductive System Support: Zinc is important for the functioning of the reproductive system, affecting sperm quality and supporting normal fertility in men.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of zinc include absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion:

• Absorption: Zinc is absorbed in the small intestine, especially in the duodenum. Factors such as phytates in the diet may reduce the bioavailability of zinc.
• Distribution: Zinc is widely distributed throughout the body, including blood, bone, muscle, pancreas, kidneys and eyes. In the blood, zinc is mainly bound to the protein albumin and alpha-2-macroglobulin.
• Metabolism: Zinc is not significantly metabolized in the body.
• Excretion: Zinc is eliminated from the body mainly through the intestines, but also through the kidneys, sweat, and flaking of skin and hair.

Dosing and administration

The method of use and dosage of Zincteral depends on the patient's age, health condition, and specific indications for use. Here are general recommendations for taking Zincteral:

Adults and children over 12 years of age:

• In the treatment of zinc deficiency: it is generally recommended to take 2 to 3 Zincteral tablets per day, which corresponds to 50-75 mg of elemental zinc.
• For the prevention of zinc deficiency: the dose may be reduced to 1 tablet daily (25 mg elemental zinc).

Children under 12 years of age:

• The dosage and possibility of using Zincteral in young children should be determined exclusively by a doctor. The dose for children is usually calculated individually, based on the child's weight and health status.

Method of Application:

• Zincteral should be taken orally, during or immediately after meals, to minimize possible gastrointestinal irritation.
• The tablet should be swallowed whole, drinking enough water.

Important Notes:

• The duration of the course of taking Zincteral and the exact dosage should be determined by the doctor based on the patient's individual needs and clinical picture.
• During treatment with Zincteral, it is important to regularly monitor the levels of zinc in the body to avoid the risk of excess zinc, which can also be harmful.
• Simultaneous administration of Zincteral with certain types of drugs, including tetracycline antibiotics and iron-containing preparations, should be avoided due to possible interaction and impairment of their absorption. It is recommended to keep an interval of 2 hours between the intake of these drugs.

Use Zincterala during pregnancy

Studies support the beneficial effects of zinc use during pregnancy, including a reduction in the overall incidence of maternal and fetal complications, especially for high and low birth weight infants. Zinc is well tolerated and does not cause side effects, confirming its preventive effectiveness in reducing the overall incidence of complications (Kynast & Saling, 1986).

In addition, supplementation with zinc during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the incidence of dysfunctional labor in some studies, although the overall evidence on the effect of zinc on pregnancy outcomes remains mixed. One study noted a significant increase in head circumference in newborns from mothers who received zinc supplementation, suggesting a positive effect of zinc on fetal development (Danesh et al., 2010).

Of note, the addition of zinc to standard care for pregnant women with previous preterm labor had no significant effect on delivery time and birth weight, but increased head circumference at birth. These results emphasize the need for further studies in other geographic regions to confirm these findings.

It is important to emphasize that you should consult your doctor before starting zinc or any other supplements during pregnancy.

Contraindications

Like any other medication, Zinkteral has a number of contraindications in which its use is not recommended or should be used with caution. Here are the main contraindications to taking Zincteral:

1. Allergic reactions: Hypersensitivity or allergy to zinc or any other component of the preparation.
2. Severe renal impairment: Patients with severe renal impairment should avoid taking Zincteral without consulting a physician, as zinc accumulation and toxicity may result.
3. Use together with certain medicines: Zinc may interact with some other medicines, such as tetracyclines and quinolone antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, when taking these drugs with Zincteral at the same time, the time interval between doses should be observed.
4. Concomitant usewith other sources of zinc: Avoid taking Zincteral with other zinc-rich supplements or foods at the same time without consulting your doctor to prevent the risk of zinc excess.
5. Children: Use in children is possible only under the prescription and supervision of a physician, taking into account age recommendations and dosages.
6. Pregnancy and lactation: Although zinc is an important element for the health of pregnant and lactating women, taking Zincteral during these periods should be taken under strict medical supervision to avoid excess zinc, which can be harmful.

Side effects Zincterala

Taking Zincteral may be associated with some side effects, especially when taken in high doses. Although zinc is considered relatively non-toxic, especially when taken orally, symptoms of apparent toxicity (nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, lethargy and fatigue) may occur at extremely high doses of administration.

At low levels of intake but in amounts well above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) (100-300 mg Zn/day vs. RDA of 15 mg Zn/day), evidence of zinc-induced copper deficiency with associated symptoms of anemia and neutropenia, as well as impaired immune function and negative effects on the ratio of low-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL) cholesterol.

Also, lower levels of zinc supplementation, close to the RDN, presumably may interfere with copper and iron utilization and adversely affect HDL cholesterol concentrations. People using zinc supplements should be aware of possible complications associated with their use.

It is important to note that reactions to zinc supplements can vary depending on individual body characteristics, and a doctor should be consulted if any unwanted effects occur.

Overdose

Zincteral overdose may occur if the recommended dosages are exceeded or if high doses are used for a long period of time without medical supervision. Zinc is an important trace element for many processes in the body, but its excess can lead to undesirable effects and potentially serious complications.

Symptoms of a zinc overdose may include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Headaches.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Kidney damage in severe cases.
• Immune system disorders.
• Metallic taste in mouth.

In cases of chronic zinc excess, the absorption of other metals such as copper may be inhibited, which can lead to deficiency and related conditions, including impaired blood formation and neurological symptoms.

What to do in case of an overdose:

If you suspect a Zincteral overdose, you should seek medical attention immediately. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the time that has passed since you took the drug, different first aid measures and treatments may be required, including:

• Gastric lavage in a hospital setting if little time has elapsed since taking the drug.
• Taking activated charcoal to reduce absorption of zinc from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Supportive treatment, including correction of fluid and electrolyte deficits caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
• Monitor and treat any complications such as kidney dysfunction or copper deficiency.

Prevention of overdose:

To prevent overdose, it is important to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations regarding the dosage and duration of treatment with Zincteral. It is necessary to avoid independently increasing the dose or duration of intake without consulting a specialist.

Interactions with other drugs

Zincteral generally does not usually show significant interactions with other medications, but there are some factors to consider:

1. Antibiotics: Zinc may decrease the absorption of tetracyclines (e.g. Doxycycline, tetracycline) and quinolone antibiotics (e.g. Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin). Therefore, zinc and antibiotics should be taken at different intervals to avoid this interaction.
2. Calcium preparations: The use of calcium preparations can reduce zinc absorption, so it is also recommended to take them at different intervals.
3. Iron preparations: Zinc may decrease iron absorption, so it is best to take zinc and iron preparations at different intervals.
4. Other micronutrients: Zinc can interact competitively with other micronutrients such as copper and iron, so it is important to balance the intake of different micronutrients.
5. Other medicinal products: When using Zincteral with other medicinal products, pay attention to possible interactions and consult your doctor.

Storage conditions

Zincteral, like most medicines, requires certain storage conditions to ensure safety and efficacy. Although recommendations may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the form of the drug (e.g. Capsules or tablets), there are general guidelines for storage:

1. Storage temperature: Zincteral should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Avoid storing the drug in places with high or very low temperatures.
2. Protection from light and moisture: Store Zincteral in its original packaging to protect it from light and moisture. This helps prevent decomposition of the active ingredient and maintain the effectiveness of the drug.
3. Children's accessibility: The drug should be kept out of the reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion or misuse.
4. Package check: Before use, make sure that the package has not been damaged and that the preparation has not been subjected to unfavorable storage conditions that may affect its quality.

Shelf life

Do not use Zincteral after the expiration date stated on the package. The expiration date ensures that the drug will be safe and effective for the specified time if storage recommendations are followed.