months
How the dose is calculated
WHO zinc supplementation for acute diarrhoea uses a fixed dose by age band, not a weight-based calculation.
WHO dosing
| Age | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| < 6 months | 10 mg elemental zinc once daily | 10-14 days |
| ≥ 6 months | 20 mg elemental zinc once daily | 10-14 days |
Clinical use
- Given alongside continued ORS and feeding as part of the WHO acute diarrhoea management package, not as a replacement for either.
- Reduces the duration and severity of the current diarrhoeal episode and lowers the risk of further episodes over the following 2-3 months.
- The full course (10-14 days) should be completed even after the diarrhoea itself resolves — the benefit depends on completing the full course, not just treating until symptoms stop.
Frequently asked questions
What is zinc used for in diarrhoea management?
WHO recommends zinc supplementation alongside ORS for all children with acute diarrhoea — it shortens the current episode and reduces the risk of further diarrhoea over the following months.
Why does the zinc dose depend on age, not weight?
The WHO recommendation is based on simple age bands (under vs. over 6 months) rather than a weight-based calculation, making it easy to administer consistently in primary care and community settings.
Should zinc be stopped once the diarrhoea resolves?
No — the full 10-14 day course should be completed even if the diarrhoea has already stopped, since the protective benefit against future episodes depends on finishing the full course.
References
- World Health Organization / UNICEF. Clinical Management of Acute Diarrhoea. WHO/UNICEF Joint Statement, 2004.
- World Health Organization. Zinc Supplementation in the Management of Diarrhoea.