Zicam Side Effects

Zicam, a homeopathic, over-the-counter decongestant, which is available as a nasal spray, a nasal gel and a nasal swab, is quite reputed for the treatment of conditions like common cold, congestion, sinus infections, allergy attacks and hay fever. In spite of the popularity of these Zicam products, the FDA issued a recall for all these products from the market as it had received hundreds of reports of its adverse side effects from the consumers who had used these Zicam remedies. This article aims at discussing the side-effects of Zicam cold remedies in brief.

Anosmia- the Most Serious Side-effect of Zicam

Anosmia is a medical condition in which an individual loses his/ her sense of smell. The loss can be long-lasting or permanent. While the affects of specific anosmia is limited to the inability to detect a particular smell or odor, general anosmia has a far-reaching affect on the quality of the life of an individual, as in this condition the individual is unable to detect all smells and odors.

Since the sense of smell is closely linked to the sense of taste and memory, it would not be an exaggeration to say that a person affected with anosmia, to a great extent, loses his ability to enjoy life to the fullest.
Anosmia also disables a person to detect potential dangers from smoke, fire and contaminated food. In majority of the cases, a person who is suffering from anosmia would require major modification in their diet; they might also require rehabilitation and serious help in the detection of poisonous gases, toxins, smoke and fire. Not to mention, the emotional trauma and stress underwent by the individual because of losing the sense of smell and taste.

Some minor side-effects of Zicam

Although anosmia remains the most severe side-effect of Zicam, in majority of the cases the side-effects are very mild and are limited to irritation and burning in the nasal cavity, diarrhea, headaches and nausea. Once these side-effects are observed immediately after the usage of Zicam, it is highly recommended that one seeks medical advice, as these mild side-effects have the potential to pave way for more serious conditions like difficulty in breathing, increased heart-rate, seizures, severe swelling of the entire face including parts like tongue and lips, atypical behavior and hallucinations.

In addition the above side-effects, Zicam cold remedy products are most likely to react with some common drugs such as Furoxone, Ismelin, Parlodel and Thorazine. Administration of any of these drugs along with Zicam can result in severe health problems. Even caffeine is believed to react negatively with Zicam and hence should be avoided.

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