Zinc

All children with diarrhoea: zinc for 10–14 days with ORS. 10 mg daily under 6 months, 20 mg daily from 6 months.

Mineral supplementReviewed October 2026
On this page

Dose

AgeDose
Under 6 months10 mg once daily for 10–14 days
6 months and over20 mg once daily for 10–14 days

Dissolve the tablet in a little breast milk, ORS or clean water.

Benefits

Shortens the illness, reduces severity, and lowers the chance of diarrhoea in the next 2–3 months.

Frequently asked questions

Should zinc be continued after the diarrhoea stops?

Yes. Finish the full 10–14 days.

Used in these guides

Sources

  1. WHO: The treatment of diarrhoea, a manual for physicians

Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.