How do zicam swabs work?

Zicam is marketed as “an over-the-counter homeopathic medicine” that will “reduce the duration and severity of the common cold when taken at the first sign of cold symptoms.” The nasal gel is applied directly inside the nostrils, as is the medication on the nasal swabs.

How often can you use Zicam nasal swabs?

After 1-2 weeks, you may need to use only 1-2 times daily. For best results, use up to 1 week before contact with known causes of your allergies.

How long do you use zicam?

Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Using the medication too long or too often may worsen your symptoms or cause nasal congestion to clear up and come back. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.

Do Zicam nasal swabs really work?

It definitely works! I have not gotten a full blown cold in 10 years. I feel a little sick the first day, then it’s gone with zero nose & throat & headache cold symptoms. The key to stopping cold in its tracks is using the Zicam right away when you feel it coming on. I prefer the nasal swabs.

Why was zicam taken off the market?

In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada advised consumers to avoid intranasal versions of Zicam Cold Remedy because of a risk of damage to the sense of smell, leading the manufacturer to withdraw these versions from the U.S. market.

What are the side effects of Zicam?

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking oxymetazoline nasal:

  • Blurred vision.
  • fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat.
  • headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness.
  • high blood pressure.
  • increase in runny or stuffy nose.
  • nervousness.
  • trembling.
  • trouble in sleeping.

Does Zicam actually shorten colds?

Zicam is a homeopathic medication that claims to shorten the duration and severity of the common cold. The oral products in the Zicam line (e.g., RapidMelts, Oral Mist, etc.) contain zinc as the active ingredient, and there is some medical evidence that zinc lozenges may shorten colds.

Why does Zicam work so well?

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. Lozenges and other oral Zicam applications especially target viruses in the oral cavity and throat, and should be taken as soon as symptoms develop.

How much zinc is in Zicam nasal swabs?

Ingredients and use Other sources list the ionic zinc content as “33 mmol/L of zincum gluconium”. Zicam is marketed as a homeopathic product which the maker claims can shorten the duration of a cold and may reduce the severity of common cold symptoms.

Does Zicam Cold Remedy really do anything?

Zicam is completely different® from most other cold remedies because it actually shortens colds versus just temporarily relieving symptoms. These soft, chewy drops, made with zinc, are clinically proven to shorten a cold when taken at the first sign. 1 Also contains elderberry to help relieve cold symptoms. 4

Is Zicam bad for You?

Warning about consumers’ experiencing a loss of smell after using Zicam cold remedy. Medical reports going as far back as 1938 have noted that high doses of zinc can harm the tissues involved in smelling, but whether Zicam users experience a higher-than-normal incidence of anosmia remains a subject of debate.

What is Zicam good for?

What is Zicam. Zicam nasal spray is used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with acute and chronic rhinitis or stuffiness caused by hay fever or other allergies and common colds. Zicam is also used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure.

Can Zicam cause stomach problems?

Abdominal pain is found among people who take Zicam, especially for people who are female, 50-59 old , have been taking the drug for < 1 month, also take medication Aleve, and have Nasopharyngitis.