Z And D DS 20 Suspension is a zinc-containing suspension. It is used for the treatment or prevention of zinc deficiency and the treatment of diarrhoea in infants and children. Giving zinc supplements to children during diarrhoea can shorten the diarrhoea. It also makes diarrhoea less severe in children who take it. A ten-day course of zinc can help protect against getting diarrhoea again for about two to three months. It is used with other medicines, such as antibiotics and oral rehydration solution (ORS), to treat diarrhoea in kids. The only side effect of zinc is vomiting, which hardly ever happens and is usually because of the taste of the zinc.
How Z And D DS 20 Suspension works?
Here’s how Z And D DS 20 Suspension helps treat diarrhoea in kids:
- Boosts Immune System: Zinc helps the body’s defence system fight infections that cause diarrhoea by controlling special immune cells.
- Reduces Inflammation in the gut: When the tummy gets upset and swollen during diarrhoea, zinc has a soothing effect, calming down the inflammation and helping the gut heal faster.
- Restoring Intestinal Barrier Function: Diarrhea can disrupt the integrity of the intestinal barrier, leading to increased permeability and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Zinc supports the repair and maintenance of the intestinal barrier, helping to prevent further fluid loss and improve stool consistency.
- Enhancing Nutrient Absorption: Diarrhea can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, exacerbating nutritional deficiencies in children. Zinc aids in the absorption of various nutrients in the intestine, including electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance.
- Speed Up Recovery: Zinc supplementation can shorten the duration and reduce the severity of diarrhoea episodes in children. By supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, and promoting intestinal repair, zinc helps children recover more quickly from diarrhoea.
How to use Z And D DS 20 Suspension?
Follow these steps before giving Z and D DS 20 Suspension to your child:
- Tap the bottle to loosen the powder
- Twist to open the ampule of sterile water given with the pack.
- Add sterile water up to the mark.
- Shake the bottle till it mixes well.
What is the most common side effect of Z And D DS 20 Suspension?
The most common side effect of Z and D DS 20 Suspension is vomiting. This means that some children who take this suspension may feel like vomiting. In addition to vomiting, other side effects that some children might experience include nausea, headache, indigestion, which is discomfort or pain in the stomach after eating; and stomach upset.
Who should not take Z And D DS 20 Suspension?
Do not give the Z And D DS 20 Suspension to children who are allergic (hypersensitive) to zinc salts or any of its other ingredients.
Which foods can hinder the absorption of Z And D DS 20 Suspension?
Avoid giving this food to your child when giving Z And D DS 20 Suspension:
- High-Fiber Foods and Dairy Products: Consuming zinc alongside high-fiber foods like whole meal bread and dairy products can reduce the absorption of zinc. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid taking Z and D DS 20 Suspension with these types of foods.
- Foods Rich in Phytic Acid: Phytic acid, found in foods such as wheat bran, flaxseed, cereals, legumes, and coffee, can also hinder the absorption of zinc compounds. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid consuming these foods around the same time as taking Z and D DS 20 Suspension to ensure maximum absorption of the zinc salts.
- Timing with Food and Drinks: To optimise the absorption of orally taken zinc suspension, it’s best to take them without any food or drinks (except for water). This means taking the suspension on an empty stomach or at least a few hours apart from consuming food or other beverages.
By avoiding these foods and following the timing the intake of Z and D DS 20 Suspension appropriately, you can help ensure that the body absorbs the zinc effectively for maximum benefit. If you have any questions or concerns about dietary restrictions while taking this medication, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Which medicines should not be given with Z And D DS 20 Suspension?
- Avoid taking zinc salts with tetracyclines (a type of antibiotic) or penicillamine (an anti-inflammatory agent) simultaneously, as it may decrease the effectiveness of zinc. Allow at least a 3-hour interval between taking these medications and zinc.
- Refrain from taking high-dose iron products along with zinc, as they can hinder zinc absorption.
- Be cautious when taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin) alongside zinc, as zinc may interfere with their absorption.
- Calcium salts can decrease the absorption of zinc.
- Foods rich in bran or fibre, as well as dairy products, may reduce zinc absorption.
- Penicillamine and trientine, used in treating excessive copper accumulation (Wilson’s disease), may lower zinc absorption and vice versa.
- Medications that reduce gastric acid (antacids) can also reduce the rate and extent of zinc sulfate absorption.
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you are taking, including zinc, to avoid potential interactions.
Is Z And D DS 20 Suspension good for kidneys?
In cases of kidney failure, the body’s ability to properly filter and excrete substances like zinc may be compromised. This can lead to an accumulation of zinc in the body, as the kidneys are not able to remove it efficiently. Due to the potential for zinc accumulation in children with kidney failure, caution is advised when considering the use of Z and D DS 20 Suspension.
It’s essential to consult with a doctor, before giving this medication, especially if your child has kidney issues or if you’re unsure about its suitability to your child. Z And D DS 20 Suspension is easily available on online medicine delivery apps. Make sure to give your child zinc suspension along with other prescribed antibiotics during diarrhoea for a speedy recovery.
Disclaimer: Intention of this post is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.
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