Ingredients and use The only biologically active ingredients present in Zicam Cold Remedy are zinc acetate (2X = 1/100 dilution) and zinc gluconate (1X = 1/10 dilution). Other sources list the ionic zinc content as "33 mmol/L of zincum gluconium".

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These viruses bind with cells lining your nasal passages. Zinc ions are believed to block the virus from binding. Lozenges and other forms of oral Zicam target viruses in the mouth and throat. They should be taken as soon as cold symptoms start.

On June 16, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted consumers and members of the healthcare community to discontinue the use of three Zicam Cold Remedy products. In the FDA's warning letter, they also warned the makers of Zicam to stop selling the defective products.

Zicam and other zinc gluconate solutions can potentially be beneficial when ingested through the mouth, injected into the bloodstream, or applied on the skin. However, the compound can be toxic if it reaches certain cells or nerve receptors located inside the nasal cavity.

The most commonly reported side effects were discomfort or irritation in the nose, mouth or throat, and sneezing.

Zicam and other zinc gluconate solutions can potentially be beneficial when ingested through the mouth, injected into the bloodstream, or applied on the skin. However, the compound can be toxic if it reaches certain cells or nerve receptors located inside the nasal cavity.

Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs are a cold shortening nasal swab that also provide multi-symptom relief. † The active ingredients in this formula consist of a unique mix of plant-based homeopathic ingredients, delivered in our patented gel formula. Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs do not contain zinc.

Serious side effects

• 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.

The FDA says consumers should stop using the products immediately. The agency has sent Matrixx Initiatives, which makes Zicam, a warning letter telling it the products can no longer be marketed without FDA approval.

Routine testing of Zicam nasal gel revealed bacteria, the FDA reported.

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.

Federal drug regulators warned consumers to stop using Zicam, a popular homeopathic cold remedy, because it could damage or destroy their sense of smell.

A: Per a 12/6/10 LA Times article on Zicam; a service rep told the reporter that a tablet has 10mg of zinc.

do not use for more than 3 days. Use only as directed. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.

Drug Label Information