Zicam is a formula that acts as a decongestant for a stuffy nose. This article tells you what you need to know about Zicam side effects.
It works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal area. Besides, the leading cause of nasal congestion is dilated blood vessels.
Furthermore, another cause of nasal congestion is the common cold and allergies. However, Zicam only offers temporary relief.
The formula can also have some surprising side effects. Most of these symptoms result from an allergic reaction to some ingredients.
When Should You Take Zicam?
The manufacturer states that, for the best results, you should take Zicam at the first sign of a cold.
Remove the cap and safety clip.
Hold the bottom of the bottle with your thumb and the tip of the nozzle between your index and middle fingers.
If you’re using it for the first time, pump it multiple times.
Place the tip of the nozzle inside your nostril. Don’t push it too far in.
Lean your head back slightly and pump twice into each nostril.
Wipe away any excess. Don’t inhale too deeply.
Use it every three hours. Ensure you don’t use it more than five times a day.
Will Zicam Stop a Cold?
Zicam works as a decongestant by shrinking nasal blood vessels. This process gives temporary relief to a stuffy nose. However, the common cold is a virus that the body must fight.
Therefore, Zicam does not stop the cold but makes the patient comfortable and shortens the cold duration as they go through the healing process.
The product isn’t effective for allergies, either.
Who Should Not Take Zicam?
The active ingredients in Zicam might have some side effects. Therefore, children under 12 years should not use the formula. The formula is also not suitable for breastfeeding and pregnant women.
Zicam Ingredients
Zicam contains several active ingredients. The main ones include:
1. Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is generally Vitamin C. In addition, research shows that this ingredient is essential in forming blood vessels, muscles, collagen, and cartilage. The component also supports the body’s healing process.
Vitamin C is also instrumental in boosting the body’s antihistamine response.
2. Crospovidone
It is a water-insoluble synthetic that makes medications and supplements easier to absorb.
This ingredient is essential in treating intestinal disorders. In addition, it helps improve the bioavailability of medicine. It also supports the healing of wounds.
3. Magnesium Stearate
This ingredient helps delay the process of breaking down and absorbing medicine. A study also shows that it ensures that medication is absorbed in the correct spot of the bowel.
The component is also an additive in food supplements.
4. Mannitol
This ingredient helps reduce brain mass and intracranial pressure. It also helps the body lose salt and excess water. In addition, the component supports the body in making more urine.
5. Mono-ammonium Glycyrrhizinate
This ingredient helps the body get rid of allergies. The component also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, it can reduce skin inflammation.
6. Sodium Starch Glycolate
This ingredient has disintegrant properties that are useful in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, it is helpful in the formation of capsules and tablets.
The component also helps the body absorb medication since it dissolves easily.
7. Stearic Acid
This component helps reduce blood pressure. In addition, it supports heart function and minimizes the risk of cancer. Furthermore, the ingredient helps improve blood circulation.
10 Zicam Side Effects You Should Know
#1. Burning or Stinging
Burning or stinging is one of the surprising Zicam side effects. This symptom is due to an allergic reaction to some of the components in the formula. However, the sign should diminish with time.
If this side effect persists, the user should stop taking the formula. It may also be necessary to seek medical help.
#2. Irritation Inside the Nose
Zicam can also irritate the nose. This symptom can mostly occur when the nasal blood vessels are damaged. This symptom is one of the Zicam side effects common with the common cold or flu.
If this symptom persists, it is also essential to stop using the formula since the irritation can be very uncomfortable.
#3. Runny Nose
A runny nose is also one of the surprising Zicam side effects. This symptom can occur when the nose is congested, and the blood vessels are trying to dilate.
However, the running nose should diminish with time, and the patients should feel better. A doctor’s advice might also be necessary for adverse cases.
#4. Sneezing
Another of the surprising Zicam side effects is sneezing. Research also shows that this symptom results from something irritating the nasal blood vessels.
In addition, sneezing is a result of an allergic reaction to some of the formula’s components.
Therefore, the patient should stop using the formula if this symptom persists.
#5. Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is another one of the surprising Zicam side effects. A study also shows that this symptom is mainly caused by an allergic reaction to some of the ingredients in the formula, especially Mannitol.
Besides, this component helps the body lose excess water.
This symptom should disappear as soon as the blood vessels dilate and the nasal congestion reduces.
#6. Fast, Irregular, Or Pounding Heartbeat
Some users claim that the formula causes fast, irregular, and pounding heartbeat. This symptom is one of the surprising Zicam side effects because the cause is unclear.
The side effect is also very uncomfortable for the patient and can be alarming.
Therefore, it is vital to seek immediate medical help if experiencing this symptom.
#7. Dizziness
Dizziness is also one of the surprising Zicam side effects. Research also shows that the symptom is mainly a result of an allergic reaction to some of the formula’s components.
The best remedy for this side effect is resting and taking plenty of fluids.
It is also vital to see a doctor in case of adverse symptoms.
#8. Headache
Some users claim that they experience persistent headaches after taking Zicam. This symptom results from the formula trying to dilate the nasal blood vessels and should diminish with time.
The best remedy for this side effect is frequent hydration and rest.
The user can also take painkillers under the guidance of a health practitioner.
#9. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is another one of the surprising Zicam side effects. This symptom can be alarming and is specific to some users. In such a case, it is vital to seek immediate medical assistance.
#10. Increase in Runny or Stuffy Nose
An increase in the runny or stuffy nose is another one of the surprising Zicam side effects. Besides, Zicam is supposed to relieve stuffy nodes by reducing congestion.
Therefore, such a case needs advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
Conclusion
Zicam is a nasal spray that relieves nasal congestion by dilating the blood vessels. Even though the formula is not a cure for colds, it helps reduce the duration and make the user comfortable.
It makes breathing easier while you recover from a cold.
The spray is only safe for use for children over 12 years.
However, the formula can have a few side effects. Most of these symptoms are a result of allergic reactions the user to come of the ingredients. In such a case, it is vital to stop using the formula and seek medical help.
Overall, Zicam is effective and safe.
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