Zinc Sulfate
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 4 |
Table of Contents
Zinc Sulfate: Pharyngitis
One-Sentence Summary
Zinc sulfate is a zinc salt used as a mineral supplement. The TxGNN model predicts it may be relevant to pharyngitis, with a score of 0.9985. However, the only trial in pharyngitis itself found no benefit, so the direct evidence is weak. The evidence rests on 1 clinical trial in a related condition and 2 publications, only one of which is a randomized trial in pharyngitis.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Not recorded in the local data |
| Predicted New Indication | Pharyngitis |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 0.9985 |
| Evidence Level | L5 |
| India Market Status | Listed in a compiled Indian medicine price dataset (5 of 5) – CDSCO approval status is not included in this data |
| Number of Listed Products | 5 (valid: 5) |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Detailed mechanism of action data is not available. In general, zinc is thought to have local antiviral and mucosal-protective effects, and may modulate local inflammation and mucosal repair. In theory, zinc lozenges or supplementation could reduce throat pain or irritation.
The link is only partly transferable, however. The available data concern postoperative sore throat and radiation-induced mucosal injury, not infectious pharyngitis. The one randomized trial in pharyngitis itself (radiation-induced) did not show a benefit of zinc sulfate. For this reason the prediction is best treated as a research question rather than an established direction.
Clinical Trial Evidence
| Trial Number | Phase | Status | Enrollment | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT02405832 | Not applicable | Completed | 87 | Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of preoperative zinc lozenges for postoperative sore throat after intubation. This is a related condition, not pharyngitis. |
Literature Evidence
| PMID | Year | Type | Journal | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23720981 | 2013 | RCT | J Med Assoc Thai | Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of zinc sulfate for radiation-induced oral mucositis and pharyngitis in head and neck cancer patients; no benefit was found. |
| 20123362 | 2010 | Case report/series | Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod | Long-lasting taste disturbance after tonsillectomy, with discussion of a possible role of zinc deficiency. |
India Market Information
| Authorization Number | Product Name | Dosage Form | Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 246414 | Zynwin Tablet | Strip of 10 tablets | Not recorded |
| 247901 | Zia 20 Tablet DT | Strip of 10 dispersible tablets | Not recorded |
| 249010 | Zia 200 Tablet | Strip of 10 tablets | Not recorded |
| 246829 | Zincolak Capsule | Strip of 10 capsules | Not recorded |
| 248768 | Zod-Plus Oral Drops | Bottle of 30 ml oral drops | Not recorded |
Safety Considerations
- Drug Interactions: 103 interactions are recorded. Moderate-level ones include alendronic acid, risedronic acid, ibandronate, tetracycline and baloxavir marboxil. Many others are minor, for example abatacept, adalimumab, and corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and dexamethasone.
For other safety information, please refer to the package insert.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The evidence level is L5 because no study directly supports zinc sulfate in pharyngitis. The only randomized trial in pharyngitis found no benefit, and the lozenge trial addressed postoperative sore throat, a related condition. A high model score alone is not enough to justify moving forward.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- A well-designed randomized trial in the target form of pharyngitis (for example, infectious pharyngitis)
- Mechanism of action data
- Package insert warnings and contraindications from the local licences
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.