1. What Is Toto-Zinc OD Zinc Sulphate Syrup 20mg/5ml and What Is It Used For?

Toto-Zinc OD Zinc Sulphate Syrup 20mg/5ml is an oral zinc supplement containing Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate equivalent to 20mg elemental zinc per 5ml. It is primarily used alongside Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) for the treatment of acute diarrhoea in infants and children, helping to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhoeal episodes while lowering the risk of recurrence over the following months.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral required for:

• Normal immune system function

• Growth and development

• Wound healing

• DNA and protein synthesis

• Maintenance of healthy skin and intestinal lining

Toto-Zinc OD also helps prevent and treat zinc deficiency, particularly in children with poor nutritional intake or increased zinc losses due to illness.

2. Active Ingredient and Strength

3. Therapeutic Uses

Toto-Zinc OD Zinc Sulphate Syrup is indicated for:

• Treatment of acute diarrhoea in children (used together with Oral Rehydration Solution)

• Prevention and treatment of zinc deficiency

• Nutritional supplementation where dietary zinc intake is inadequate

• Supporting immune function during illness

• Supporting normal growth and development in children

Important: Zinc supplementation does not replace Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). ORS should always be given alongside zinc therapy during diarrhoeal illness.

4. How to Take This Medicine

Recommended Dosage

Administration Instructions

• Shake the bottle well before each use.

• Measure the dose using the supplied measuring spoon or oral syringe.

• Give once daily, preferably at the same time each day.

• May be taken with or after food if stomach upset occurs.

• Complete the full 10–14-day course, even if diarrhoea stops earlier.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed:

• Give it as soon as remembered.

• If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.

• Do not give two doses at the same time.

5. Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Mild stomach discomfort

• Metallic taste

• Loss of appetite

Less Common Side Effects

• Constipation

• Mild diarrhoea

• Abdominal cramps

Serious Side Effects — Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Difficulty breathing

• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat

• Severe allergic skin rash

• Persistent vomiting preventing medicine intake

6. Contraindications

⚠ Do NOT use Toto-Zinc OD if the patient has:

• Known allergy to zinc sulphate or any ingredient in the syrup

• Rare hereditary disorders affecting ingredient metabolism (where applicable)

• Severe hypersensitivity to previous zinc preparations

7. Safety Warnings and Special Precautions

Important Precautions

• Zinc should always be used together with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) during acute diarrhoea.

• Continue breastfeeding and normal feeding during diarrhoeal illness.

• Do not exceed the recommended daily dose unless prescribed.

• Long-term excessive zinc intake may lead to copper deficiency and anaemia.

• Persistent diarrhoea lasting more than 14 days requires medical assessment.

• Bloody diarrhoea, persistent vomiting, fever, or signs of dehydration require urgent medical attention.

• Use with caution in patients with severe kidney disease.

8. Drug Interactions

9. Storage Instructions

• Store below 30°C.

• Keep tightly closed.

• Protect from direct sunlight.

• Do not freeze.

• Keep out of reach of children.

10. Prescription Status in Kenya

Toto-Zinc OD Zinc Sulphate Syrup is generally classified as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) medicine for zinc supplementation and the management of acute diarrhoea alongside ORS. However, it should be used according to healthcare professional advice, especially in infants and young children.

11. Patient Guidance

💊 Key Points for Patients

✔ Give the medicine once daily for the full 10–14 days.

✔ Always give Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) alongside zinc during diarrhoea.

✔ Continue breastfeeding and regular feeding during treatment.

✔ Shake the bottle before every dose.

✔ Use the provided measuring device for accurate dosing.

✔ Seek medical attention immediately if your child develops severe dehydration, bloody diarrhoea, persistent vomiting, high fever, or becomes unusually sleepy.

✔ Keep all follow-up appointments if symptoms do not improve.

12. Pharmacist / Prescriber Notes

• Zinc supplementation should accompany ORS as recommended in diarrhoea management guidelines.

• Encourage caregivers to complete the full treatment course, even if symptoms improve within a few days.

• Assess for dehydration and refer immediately if severe dehydration or danger signs are present.

• Reinforce continued breastfeeding and adequate nutrition during recovery.

• Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use unless clinically indicated.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is Toto-Zinc OD Zinc Sulphate Syrup used for?

A: It is mainly used with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to treat acute diarrhoea in children and to prevent or treat zinc deficiency.

Q2: Should I continue giving ORS while using Toto-Zinc OD?

A: Yes. Zinc supplements work together with ORS. ORS replaces lost fluids, while zinc helps shorten the duration and severity of diarrhoea.

Q3: How long should my child take Toto-Zinc OD?

A: The recommended course is 10–14 consecutive days, even if diarrhoea improves sooner.

Q4: Can adults use Toto-Zinc OD?

A: Although primarily formulated for children, adults with zinc deficiency may use zinc supplements as advised by a healthcare professional.

Q5: What should I do if my child vomits after taking the syrup?

A: If vomiting occurs shortly after administration, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Depending on how soon the vomiting occurred, another dose may be recommended.

Q6: Can Toto-Zinc OD prevent future diarrhoea?

A: Zinc supplementation during an episode of acute diarrhoea has been shown to reduce the likelihood of further diarrhoeal episodes over the following two to three months.