How does zicam nasal spray work

The original zinc-containing nasal spray formulations, however, were recalled after federal investigators found that the nasal application of zinc can cause the loss of the sense of smell. Because of this, nasal Zicam products on stores shelves today have plant-based homeopathic active ingredients. Although considered safer, there is a lack of evidence as to whether they can actually treat colds.

Oral Zicam products contain zinc as their active ingredient, while the nasal products do not. As such, their methods of action differ. Zicam oral products Zicam RapidMelts, Medicated Fruit Drops, Wild Cherry Lozenges, Oral Mist, and Ultra Crystals contain zinc as their active ingredient in the form of zincum aceticum and zincum gluconicum the homeopathic names of zinc acetate and zinc gluconate.

The theory is that zinc ions can block rhinoviruses the most common viruses that cause colds at the point where they bind to the cells lining the respiratory passages. Taken at the start of a cold, zinc may reduce the duration of a cold. Lozenges and other oral Zicam applications especially target viruses in the oral cavity and throat, and should be taken as soon as symptoms develop.

When taken by mouth, zinc is considered safe if not overused. However, zinc can have unpleasant side effects, including leaving a bad taste in the mouth and nausea. The ingredients in Zicam nasal products available today are mostly plant-based and found in other homeopathic remedies for allergies and cold symptoms. Homeopathic products are based on the theory that "like cures like," meaning that highly diluted amounts of a substance are used to provoke a symptom in order to cure that very symptom.

Nasal Zicam products follow this methodology. The listed active ingredients are highly diluted extracts of Galphimia glauca , Luffa operculata , and Sabadilla. While commonly used in homeopathy, there is little qualitative research to support their use in treating colds. The inactive ingredients include eucalyptol from eucalyptus , eugenol from clove oil , and menthol.

Zicam continues to label its nasal products as "clinically-proven," although their website does not offer links to any clinical studies other than for zinc-based products. Nasal Zicam options were once formulated with zinc as the active ingredient, with the idea that they worked as the oral products do. But studies showed that the application of zinc to nasal passages may cause irreversible side effects, including the loss of smell.

As such, in June , the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA warned consumers not to use Zicam nasal spray or gel swabs because they may cause a permanent loss of the sense of smell. Where to Buy. Active ingredients. Galphimia glauca 4x, Luffa operculata 4x, Sabadilla 4x Purpose: Reduces duration of common cold and helps relieve nasal congestion. Reduces duration of common cold and helps relieve nasal congestion.

For nasal use only Do not use if you have a sensitivity or allergy to any of the ingredients. Ask a doctor before use if you have ear, nose, or throat sensitivity susceptibility to nosebleeds When using this product avoid contact with eyes. Rinse right away with water if it gets in eyes and seek medical help right away. Using swirling motion, rotate swab 3 times within nostril. While swirling, gently press outside of first nostril to ensure transfer of medication.

Re-dip swab in tube and mix to re-saturate with medication. Swirl 3 more times in the same nostril while gently pressing outside of nostril. Times , the Huffington Post , and hundreds of others are treating a quiet research report as big news that will have a life-changing effect.

The latest hubbub about zinc was sparked by a report from the Cochrane Collaboration. This global network of scientists, patients, and others evaluates the evidence on hundreds of different treatments. In the latest review, on zinc for the common cold , researchers Meenu Singh and Rashmi R. Das pooled the results of 13 studies that tested zinc for treating colds. By their analysis, taking zinc within 24 hours of first noticing the signs of a cold could shorten the cold by one day.

They also found that taking zinc made colds a bit less severe. Sounds good so far. As there are no studies in participants in whom common cold symptoms might be troublesome for example, those with underlying chronic illness, immunodeficiency, asthma, etc. Given the variability in the populations studied no studies from low- or middle-income countries , dose, formulation and duration of zinc used in the included studies, more research is needed to address these variabilities and determine the optimal duration of treatment as well as the dosage and formulations of zinc that will produce clinical benefits without increasing adverse effects [italics mine], before making a general recommendation for zinc in treatment of the common cold.

Two years ago, the FDA warned everyone to stop using zinc-containing nasal sprays to fight colds because these sprays had been linked to more than cases of loss of smell. The Institute of Medicine set the tolerable upper limit for zinc at 40 milligrams a day for adults , less for teens and children.

The glowing media reports are sure to spark the next cold rush as supplement makers crank up their zinc output. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

Yes, indeed it works for me. Thanks a lot! Taking traditional chinese medicines are also good for the common cold. This form of medication is more holisticas most of the ingredients are natural herbs. Precaution must be taken to ensure its prescribed by a licenced chinese medicine doctor only. Medicated Fruit Drops. Nasal Spray. Nasal Swabs. Elderberry Medicated Fruit Drops. Extreme Congestion Relief. Intense Sinus Relief. Allergy Relief. Allergy Relief Swabs. Zicam Cold Remedy.