Zicam might have figured in the press for its product recall, but has withstood the test and is still available on the market. Zicam is a general name for a line of products meant to combat and even prevent colds. But what exactly is in Zicam, and what are the different products that fall under the brand name?

Products

Zicam has a new line of products that help the body cope with a coming cold – or pre-cold – by providing it with different compounds to help it get out of the cold. Pre-cold products include RapidMelts, Ultra Crystals, Ultra Lozenges, Oral Mist, and Chewables.

Zicam also has a line of products to help the body deal with colds, sinus infections, and allergies. These products include natural cough suppressants, nasal gel to fight congestion, a nasal gel to fight sinus infections, and a nasal gel to provide allergy relief.

Zinc

Most of Zicam’s cold remedy products contain some form of zinc, which has been used in various medicines as a way to stop the growth of bacteria or viruses. In Zicam, zinc comes in the form of zinc gluconate or zinc acetate. Zinc gluconate and is used routinely to deliver zinc as a dietary supplement, and is present in multivitamins. However, consumption of zinc gluconate can interfere with the action and effectiveness
of antibiotics.

Zinc acetate is also used as a dietary supplement, and is often used to treat the common cold. Zinc acetate can also be used to supply the body with zinc, as well as to prevent the body from absorbing copper, which can make some diseases worse. Zinc acetate is also combined with antibiotics or acne treatments. Zinc acetate is also used as a breath freshener in some chewing gums, and can prevent the formation
of plaque.

Some studies also claim that zinc is effective, in general, against the common cold. However, these studies have been difficult to replicate.

Sugar-free Products

Zicam’s Oral Mist products, as well as the pre-cold Zicam RapidMelts, are sugar-free. However, manufacturers still caution Zicam users, especially those with diabetes, to consult with their doctors before taking any sugar-free Zicam products.

Gluten

Zicam products per se do not contain gluten. However, manufacturers warn that some of the machines that are used to produce Zicam might have come into contact with gluten or products that contain gluten, such as rye, barley, or wheat.

Other Ingredients

All of Zicam’s products contain stabilizers. Products in the pre-cold line use sugar as sweetener; unless they are advertised as sugar-free, in which case they use sucralose as sweetener.

All the nasal gels in the pre-cold line have zinc gluconate and zinc acetate as their active ingredients. Some of the chewables in the pre-cold line contain Vitamin C as well as the herb Echinacea, which is used to prevent colds.

Both the congestion and sinus relief products use oxymetazoline hydrochloride as their active nasal decongestant. The allergy relief Zicam line has Galphimia glauca, Histaminum hydrochloricum, Luffa operculata, and sulphur, all of which are used to relieve upper respiratory tract infections that might come as a result of the allergies. None of the congestion, sinus, and allergy relief products list zinc as an active ingredient.