The Linus Pauling Institute. Intranasal zinc (zinc nasal gels and nasal sprays)
lpi.oregonstate.edu
Intranasal zinc (zinc nasal gels and nasal sprays)
Intranasal zinc preparations designed to be applied directly to the nasal epithelium (cells lining the nasal passages) are also marketed as over-the-counter cold remedies. While two placebo-controlled trials found that intranasal zinc gluconate modestly shortened the duration of cold symptoms (35, 36), two other placebo-controlled studies found intranasal zinc to be of no benefit (37, 38). In the most rigorously controlled of these studies, intranasal zinc gluconate did not affect the severity or duration of cold symptoms in volunteers inoculated with rhinovirus, a common cause of colds (37). Of concern are several case reports of individuals experiencing loss of the sense of smell (anosmia) after using intranasal zinc as a cold remedy (39,40). Since zinc-associated anosmia may be irreversible, intranasal zinc preparations should be avoided.
Last updated 12/16/2003 Copyright 2001-2003 The Linus Pauling Institute
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