Side Effects of Zicam Cold Remedy

Zicam, the controversial over-the-counter drug, is manufactured by Matrixx Initiatives, Inc., and includes products such as Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Zicam Kids Size Cold Remedy Swabs, Zicam Allergy Relief nasal gel, Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief, Zicam Sinus Relief, and Zicam Nasal Moisturizer. All of these products are used to relieve the user from the symptoms of allergic reactions, hay fever, sinus and common cold.

Zicam, an over-the-counter homeopathic drug, can be purchased without a prescription, and is known to reduce the duration of common cold in individuals. Zinc gluconate, which is an important constituent of Zicam cold remedy, is known to very effective in decongesting nasal passages. However, Zicam cold remedies have also come into negative lime-light in the recent times because of the severe side effects associated with them.

The functioning of Zicam Cold Remedy

Zicam cold remedies relieve from the symptoms of cold and sinus by compressing the blood vessels in the nasal passage of an individual. It is worth mentioning here that the constriction is not limited to the blood vessels in the nasal passage but is extended to all the blood vessels in the body. In addition to that, it reduces swelling and tenderness of the sinus as well.

Matrixx Initiatives have clearly mentioned that the use of Zicam should be limited to twice a day and that it should not be used for more than five days in a row. The manufacturers have also made it very clear that overdosing can lead to adverse side effects.

The FDA’s Recall of Zicam Products

In June 2009, the U.S Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to the manufacturers of Zicam to pull out three of its major products from the market. These products include Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (Kids Size). The FDA also warned the general public to avoid the use of these decongestants as there were several reports linking the usage of these products to some very adverse side-effects. The FDA also made it very clear that the manufacturers of Zicam did not take enough steps to inform the consumers regarding the risks and side-effects associated with it, and hence now need to establish the safety of the remedies through thorough research and testing.

Side Effects of Zicam Cold Remedy

Anosmia is undoubtedly the most known side-effect of Zicam. However, the side-effects of Zicam cold remedy also include symptoms such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, hallucinations, seizures, allergies and the emotional trauma associated with the loss of smell. Some of the cases have also reported loss of memory and taste because of the usage of Zicam nasal remedies.

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