Zinc Oxide for Pharmaceutical Grade

Zinc oxide for pharmaceutical use is an important medicinal excipient and raw material, possessing various efficacy such as astringency, antibacterial activity, and wound healing promotion. It is widely used in dermatology, dentistry, wound care, and other fields, and is a key ingredient in various pharmaceutical preparations.

I. Definition and Properties of Pharmaceutical Zinc Oxide Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an inorganic compound with a molecular weight of 81.39, appearing as a white powder and insoluble in water and ethanol, but soluble in acids, aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and ammonium chloride. Pharmaceutical zinc oxide specifically refers to zinc oxide raw materials that meet pharmacopoeial standards, possess high purity, and low impurity content. Typically, the ZnO content is required to be ≥99.0%, and the content of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc.) is strictly controlled within a safe range.

II. Main Uses of Zinc Oxide in Pharmaceuticals: Dermatological Applications: Used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, prickly heat, and ulcers, through its astringent effect to help the skin recover health.

Wound dressing: As a key ingredient in medical dressings, zinc oxide effectively prevents wound infection, promotes wound healing, and creates a microenvironment conducive to wound healing in advanced wound dressings21.

Dental applications: Used as a component in toothpaste and as a temporary filling, it plays a significant role in the dental field.

Nutritional supplement: Provides essential zinc as a dietary supplement, supporting various physiological functions in the human body12.

Sunscreen products: As physical sunscreen agents, they provide protection by absorbing and scattering ultraviolet rays and are widely used in cosmetics such as sunscreen creams12.

III. Pharmacological Effects of Zinc Oxide for Medical Use. Astringent Effect: Zinc oxide has a strong astringent effect, which can effectively alleviate skin inflammation and promote wound drying and scarring.

Antimicrobial effect: It possesses excellent preservative and antimicrobial properties, which can prevent wound infection and promote wound healing.

Promoting wound healing: It can accelerate the epithelialization and granulation tissue formation of wounds, playing a crucial role in the wound healing process21.

Absorption and drying function: It possesses weak astringent, moisturizing, and protective properties, as well as absorption and drying functions, which contribute to maintaining healthy skin conditions1.

4. Common medical zinc oxide preparation: Zinc oxide ointment, which is used for acute or subacute dermatitis, eczema, prickly heat, ulcers, etc., contains 0.15 grams of zinc oxide per gram.

Zinc oxide patch: made of zinc oxide, rosin, oil, and rubber, used for skin protection and treatment3.

Compound sulfamethoxazole zinc oxide ointment: containing zinc oxide, boric acid, calamine, sulfamethoxazole, and methyl salicylate, used for infectious dermatoses such as folliculitis, furuncles, and impetigo5.

Zinc oxide sulfur ointment: containing zinc oxide and sulfur sublimed, it is used for dermatitis and eczema, with the effects of sterilizing, softening the epidermis, and dissolving keratin.

Zinc oxide and salicylic acid powder: containing boric acid, salicylic acid, alum, zinc oxide, and talcum powder, used for antifungal purposes8.

V. Quality Standards for Pharmaceutical Zinc Oxide Pharmaceutical zinc oxide must meet strict pharmacopoeial standards, including purity requirements: ZnO content ≥ 99.0%, with even higher requirements for pharmaceutical grade.

Limits of heavy metals: Lead (Pb) ≤ 10 mg/kg, Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 0.5 mg/kg, Arsenic (As) ≤ 2 mg/kg10.

Particle size requirements: Depending on the application, the particle size requirements vary. For example, nanoscale particles are used for special applications10.

Other indicators, such as moisture and acid-insoluble substances, also need to comply with the specifications10.

VI. Safety and adverse reactions of zinc oxide for pharmaceutical use: Occasional skin irritation such as burning sensation, or allergic reactions such as rash, itching, etc.1.

Contraindications: Not to be used by individuals allergic to zinc oxide or other components in the formulation5.

Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes and other mucous membranes (such as mouth, nose, etc.). If there is any burning sensation, redness, or swelling at the application site, discontinue use. Do not use if the product's properties have changed. Children must use under adult supervision. 6. Market Situation of Pharmaceutical Zinc Oxide. The main manufacturers of pharmaceutical zinc oxide include Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Pharmaceutical Factory, Nanchang Baiyun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Anhui Fubo Pharmaceutical Chemical Co., Ltd., etc. 14. With the development of nanotechnology, nano-zinc oxide has broad application prospects in the pharmaceutical field. Its unique physicochemical properties make it exhibit great potential in drug delivery, antibacterial materials, and other aspects. 9.

In summary, zinc oxide, as a traditional and crucial pharmaceutical excipient, continues to play an irreplaceable role in the modern pharmaceutical field. Its safety, effectiveness, and versatility make it an indispensable ingredient in pharmaceutical preparations. With technological advancements, its application scope is expected to further expand in the future.

The Huiyuan brand pharmaceutical-grade zinc oxide can reach a purity of 99.99%, meeting the standard requirements of USP and BP for pharmaceutical-grade zinc oxide. It has received unanimous praise from customers in the industry, and we look forward to further communication with you.