Zicam

The FDA released a report on June 16, 2009 which urged consumers to discontinue use of Zicam Cold Remedy products. Prior to this statement, Zicam products were a common over the counter drug predominantly used as a remedy against the common cold. The basis for this use was based on studies done which reported a reduction in the duration and severity of cold symptoms.

Marketed as a homeopathic medicine, Zicam Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matrixx Initiatives Inc, describes Zicam Cold Remedy as follows: “Zicam Cold Remedy is an over-the-counter homeopathic medicine that actually reduces the duration and severity of the common cold when taken at the first sign of cold symptoms.”

The Zicam Cold Remedy line sold millions of products  since it’s introduction in 1999. The following was taken directly from the Zicam website: “Zicam Cold Remedy is safe and does not cause the side effects often experienced when taking cold relief products, such as drowsiness or grogginess, Zicam Cold Remedy is not habit-forming.”

The active ingredient in Zicam Cold Remedy is zinc gluconate; the homeopathic  ingredients include galphimia glauca, histamine dihydrochloride, luffa operculata, and sulfur.