Zicam is completely different® from most other cold remedies because it actually shortens colds versus just temporarily relieving symptoms. These NEW Pre-Cold® Fighter lozenges, made with zinc, shortens colds when taken at the first sign. Also contains elderberry to help relieve cold symptoms.

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".

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 25 Lozenge Pouch Carton

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

Zicam could be harmful for some people, but since there is not a lot of research we don't know how safe or effective the cold remedy products are. For example, Zicam products should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding because there have not been enough studies to prove that it's safe to do so.

Oral Zicam products claim to help with cold symptoms and shorten the length of a cold, but there's limited evidence about how safe and effective they are.

The products have been linked to long-lasting or permanent loss of smell called anosmia. In some cases, the loss of smell occurred after the first dose. "Loss of sense of smell is a serious risk for people who use these products for relief from cold symptoms," said Dr.

Zicam® is made with zinc to shorten colds when taken at the first sign. † Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

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.

Summary. Oral Zicam products claim to help with cold symptoms and shorten the length of a cold, but there's limited evidence about how safe and effective they are. The current nasal Zicam products do not use zinc because of the potential for serious side effects - instead, the nasal formulas are plant-based.

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

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.