It’s that time of year around these parts. Cold and flu seems to be all around us, and interacting with the public means things get passed back and forth quite readily. Last year I was first introduced to Zicam, but it wasn’t until this year that I tried the nasal gel swabs, having not liked taking it orally.

The idea behind Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs is that it reduces the severity of many cold symptoms and can actually shorten the length of time I am affected by the cold. It does this using Zincum Gluconicum 2X as the active ingredient. Timing is everything as I have found that I must use it immediately when my nose starts running or my head starts getting that stuffed-up feeling. Waiting to see what develops has usually meant that Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs have had little effect.

Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs are used every four hours. At that time, one of these is opened and the gel is applied to the inside of each nostril for about five seconds. I am not crazy about this sensation as it usually makes my nose itch and makes me want to blow my nose, which the directions state I shouldn’t do for at least 30 seconds.

However, I definitely have noticed an improvement in my cold symptoms. The sore throat that usually is the first sign of a cold for me generally runs its course. However, I don’t get the heavy head congestion for days on end. My congestion symptoms seem to be no worse than some of my allergy days as what does affect me feels looser in general. I don’t get coughs as the congestion seems to never get the chance to affect my chest. The longest I have been affected by a cold after using Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs is about five days, and it doesn’t seem to be as bad as my colds were before I started using it.

I can’t notice any sensation with the gel in my nose. Some have reported a burning sensation, but I haven’t been affected like that, nor with any noticeable effect on my sense of smell. Anything I have suffered seems to be the normal result of a cold as once I am completely over the cold I am back to normal.

There’s nothing in the directions stating when to stop using it. I usually use it for three to four days, which means most of the package of twenty swabs. Swabs shouldn’t be shared between family members, and at about $12 for each box, using this to alleviate cold symptoms in my home can get pretty expensive once it starts making the rounds. This can be purchased using my Health Care Flexible Spending Account, which does help quite a bit.

Some in the house prefer the other forms to the Gel Swabs, such as the Rapid Melts and Chewables. This works fine for me and although I am not crazy about the sensation of the gelled swab inside my nose, I get by because the result is definitely worth it. Just make sure you take it at the first sign of cold symptoms. Once it’s too late, there’s no relief from cold symptoms by using Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs and it’s basically throwing money away.




Active Ingredients: (Reduces duration and severity of the common cold): Zincum Gluconicum 2X

Inactive Ingredients: Benzalkonium Chloride, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Water (Purified), Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide


Other cold & allergy medicine reviews:

Alavert Allergy & Sinus Extended Release Tablets ~ Benadryl Dye-Free Allergy Liquid ~ Children’s Tylenol Plus Cold Daytime Liquid ~ Chloraseptic Grape Sore Throat Spray for Kids ~ Claritin Allergy 24-Hour Redi-Tabs ~ Claritin Children‘s Formula Syrup ~ Robitussin CF Cough Syrup ~ Robitussin Head & Chest Congestion PE Syrup ~ Robitussin Night Time Cold, Cough & Flu ~ TheraFlu Flu & Chest Congestion ~ TheraFlu Flu & Sore Throat ~ TheraFlu Severe Cold ~ TheraFlu Severe Cold & Cough Natural Cherry Flavor ~ TheraFlu Severe Cold Nighttime Caplets ~ TheraFlu Warming Relief Daytime Severe Cold ~ Tylenol Cold & Sore Throat Daytime with Cool Burst Sensation ~ Vicks Casero Chest Congestion Relief ~ Vicks Dayquil ~ Vicks Nyquil Liquid 



© 2008 Patti Aliventi

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