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Throw Out Your Zicam, and Rethink Other Alternative Cold Remedies

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Zicam Nasal Gel has worked for me many times and my sense of smell has NOT been impaired. I think this is bogus fear mongering and that there has not been enough research to determine if the product actually caused any problems.
Zicam Nasal Gel was the best product for me because I have acid reflux and the other products are all oral which exacerbates my stomach issues.
I think it's a shame that it was taken off the shelves due to actual claims or the success of the products threatening the sales of cold medicines. Who knows? I'd like to know the truth.

Laurie of NC 10:22AM March 08, 2013

I have a very long history of whenever I get a cold, it becomes unbearable:bronchitis etc and lasts for weeks (developing pneumonia. sinusitis). When I take Zicam (faithfully as directed and must be taken before the cold sets in)I feel lousy for a couple of days with minimal scratchiness and very little post nasal drip etc. No one can tell me that it doesn't work, but if you take it once the symptoms set in, it is too late.
Just before I get a cold, I get swollen glands somewhere on my head behind the ears and then my stomach starts to feel funny. That's when I take Zicam and it works. If I wait until I get a sore throat or runny nose, it is too late and doesn't do me much good.

Elaine Tribelli of RI 6:02AM March 04, 2013

I'm not sure why people go off the deep end on issues like this without researching the information they are spouting. The ENTIRE issue regarding the nasal gel was caused by ignorance. People were using the gel like it was Nasonex or something similar -- ie. forcefully spraying it into their upper sinuses instead of *reading the instructions* and applying the gel into the nasal passages and allowing it to absorb. Zinc is powerful stuff and can, if it reaches the very delicate sinus tissues that are responsible for your sense of smell, cause permanent damage to the tissue if it is allowed to sit there and (chemically) burn the tissue.
I have not heard of any issues with the swabs causing any problems, only the 'spray' gel. You might want to fact check that claim. I won't bother because I'm intelligent enough to know how to use these products correctly and know enough about zinc's effects on the body to know that it works.
Zinc is perfectly safe to use *as directed* and has been shown to be effective in combating the effects of the rhinovirus variants that cause the common cold.

Carl of NC 10:56AM January 24, 2013

I took a zicam today and now my face is red and flushed. Is this a reaction to the drug

Stacy Gorniak of IL 11:55AM December 05, 2012

I have used zicam extreme congestion relief for 2 years now and I have no adverse side effects. I have nasal swelling and congestion and this stuff is the only thing I have found to work. I can still smell and taste as I have before. I hope this helps others not get my miracle product pulled from the shelves.

Samantha of KY 5:52PM December 22, 2011

very helpful information... thanks a lot

chemicalpee-cost.com of AZ 4:04AM August 02, 2011

I've used it many times, and I can still smell just fine. Certain things smell better.
Moreover - even if you could "prove" total loss of smell - how could you further connect that "loss of smell" exclusively with the use of Zicam, or anything else for that matter?
This looks to me to be a money grab. I guess lawyers can prove anything - given enough people willing to come forth, for potentially a little payback.

Richard Hale of CA 3:14PM December 03, 2010

Most people who try Zicam find the same thing. They get no side effects, but claim their cold is cut in half. But honestly, how do you know it was cut in half? It's more than proven that literally every cold you get will be of a different strain of Rhinovirus. Every cold you get will have a different length, so there is no real way to tell if you will have a shortened span.
The problem with this stuff is that, though it has Zinc, it is in a 2X Homeopathic formula. This basically means whatever the dose amount they have on the label (something like 16mg) is taken into a solution of 1/10 with water (16mg in 160ml of water), and then that is a 1X. This is then DILUTED again with another 1/10 parts solution to water. This leaves you with 16mg Zincum per about 1.8 liters of water. This is what they put into the spray bottles.
There is no side effects, or any effects for that matter, beyond the standard expected placebo effect. This is because basically, you are spraying water in your nose, and you are lucky to get half of a mg of Zinc in a little 2fl.oz bottle.

Ian of NY 2:22PM February 18, 2010

Evaluating how far into the nose canal you put the nozzle is not the issue. The product isn't safe. if you KNOW your water supply isn't safe do you continue to drink it? obviously something is wrong with this product. however, it your nose. smell you later.

a. P. of PA 3:53PM January 21, 2010

Tastes like sh*t no matter what flavor it claims to be, but gets the job DONE. Zinc is awesome for you especially when you're battling a flu bug. I'm usually really sensitive to meds and I have had no side effects except that recovery time is cut in half. Love it!

Bry of CA 9:36AM January 20, 2010