Zicam for colds how does it work

National coverage will lead to millions of people taking a dangerous additive in hopes of stopping a cold. Far more convincing data are required before the public can be told that zinc has any beneficial effect. We do know that intranasal zinc can damage the sensory nerves of smell. I used to take zinc lozenges when I felt a cold coming on. But I stopped for two reasons. As reported in your blog, the zinc caused nausea.

But I also noticed I always developed a cold sore when taking zinc. The zinc did seem to shorten the cold by a day but the cold sore stayed around forever, it seemed, so now no zinc for me. My husband 71 and I 65 have been taking zinc the mineral tablets, not the lozenges for years at first signs of a cold. Sorry to disappoint you but for us, it totally works. We may still get a cold, but not nearly as severe….

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Recent Blog Articles. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health? Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin. Caring for an aging parent? Tips for enjoying holiday meals. Clinical studies on zinc lozenges have shown that taking zinc lozenges reduces the duration of cold symptoms. A recent review of more than 40 years of research on the use of zinc for colds concluded that zinc shortens the duration of the common cold.

A Cochrane review evaluated the results from 15 studies involving more than 1, participants. The authors concluded that taking zinc within 24 hours of the first signs of a cold reduced cold duration and that the symptoms were less severe in people who took zinc. The first signs of a cold may appear as little as 10 hours after infection with a cold virus, with full-blown symptoms appearing days after infection. Common symptoms that signal a cold are scratchy throat, cough, runny nose, body aches, and unexplained tiredness.

To shorten a cold, it is important to take action as soon as you notice the first signs of a cold. Even after extensive research, the exact mechanism of action by which zinc works to shorten the common cold is uncertain, but there are several theories. Most colds are caused by a type of virus called rhinovirus, a family of more than viruses. Rhinoviruses can multiply in the upper respiratory system the nasal passages and throat.

On the basis of studies that evaluated the efficacy of zinc, zinc is thought to interfere with the ability of rhinovirus to replicate. Zinc may also interfere with cold viruses attaching to cells in the lining of the nose and throat.

Research indicates that cold-shortening results may vary depending on the specific zinc formulation used and how it is administered. Zinc lozenges and other delivery methods allow zinc to work with the body and may be the most effective for easing cold symptoms.

Regular and frequent dosing during the cold is required for zinc treatments to shorten the duration of the cold. Forty years of research investigating the use of zinc for colds indicates that zinc can shorten the duration of the common cold. In a review of 15 clinical studies involving more than 1, participants, the authors concluded that taking zinc within 24 hours of the first signs of a cold reduced cold duration. 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. As a result, Zicam nasal products were reformulated to no longer contain zinc. The new nasal Zicam formulations became available in and are sold today. According to the manufacturer, Zicam can be used by adults and children 12 and over.

Children under 12 should only use Zicam under the direction of a pediatrician or family healthcare provider.

The manufacturer does not state what risks Zicam poses to younger children. Generally speaking, all homeopathic products should only be used in adults or children after consultation with a qualified health professional.

These products are not stringently regulated by the FDA and should be avoided in children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers due to the lack of safety research. Homeopathic products are minimally regulated as dietary supplements and do not undergo the same safety and efficacy testing as prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The oral formulations that contain zinc can be taken every three hours.

The manufacturer recommends not taking these products on an empty stomach, but also refraining from food or drink for 15 minutes after use. Also, avoid citrus foods or drinks for at least 30 minutes. Zicam Cold Remedy can be given as a nasal spray or a nasal swab :. Both formulations can be used every four hours until symptoms resolve. Given some supportive research regarding zinc and colds, using oral Zicam products may help. While you may hear some anecdotal support for the use of nasal Zicam products, research to support their effectiveness in treating colds is lacking.

Regardless of how you opt to ease your cold symptoms , check in with your healthcare provider if you are self-treating but not getting better. Looking to avoid getting the flu? Recently an analysis of several studies showed that zinc lozenges or syrup reduced the length of a cold by one day, especially when taken within 24 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold.

Most colds are caused by a type of virus called rhinovirus, which thrives and multiplies in the nasal passages and throat upper respiratory system. Zinc may work by preventing the rhinovirus from multiplying. It may also stop the rhinovirus from lodging in the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. Zinc may be more effective when taken in lozenge or syrup form, which allows the substance to stay in the throat and come in contact with the rhinovirus.

But the recent analysis stopped short of recommending zinc. None of the studies analyzed had enough participants to meet a high standard of proof. Also, the studies used different zinc dosages and preparations lozenges or syrup for different lengths of time. As a result, it's not clear what the effective dose and treatment schedule would be.

Zinc — especially in lozenge form — also has side effects, including nausea or a bad taste in the mouth. Many people who used zinc nasal sprays suffered a permanent loss of smell. For this reason, Mayo Clinic doctors caution against using such sprays. In addition, large amounts of zinc are toxic and can cause copper deficiency, anemia and damage to the nervous system. For now, the safest course is to talk to your doctor before considering the use of zinc to prevent or reduce the length of colds.

Brent A. Bauer, M. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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