Zicam and Airborne - anyone use these?

my2monkeyboys wrote: We all have come down with the dreaded cold over the last 2 days, and my husband started on Zicam last night. It says it's safe for kids 3+, and even have a kids version (the swabs are smaller). I have thought about either that or the Airborne, but am not sure. Any of you use either of these, on your kids or yourself?

mckayleesmom replied: Ive used airborne and it didn't do anything IMO...its expensive too.

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: I've used zicam and you have to really keep up on the dosage schedule for it to work effectively, IMO. Not an easy thing to do. So, I would just grin and bear it, another not easy thing to do. Keep up on fluids, tylenol for aches, cough syrup and lots of rest. Good luck.

luvmykids replied: DH swears by Zicam but it's never made a difference for me, except to make me jittery.

jacobsmama replied: A teacher friend of mine uses airborne and swears by it but I have never personally used it.

my2monkeyboys replied: I just read that the FDA is looking into a problem with Zicam about the zinc level being high enough to cause a problem with the sense of smell (even after the person quit using it), but there's nothing conclusive yet. The same report also says that Airborne is just a large dose of vitamins, some of which are not safe if taken by a pregnant woman.
Of course, there are side effects of taking the regular meds too... it's all so confusing.
I guess I'll probably just do the norm and treat the symptoms and let it run its course.
I don't mind that for myself, I just hate for Will to feel bad, KWIM?
Thanks for the advice!

mckayleesmom replied: Personally...I think that people that use those products make themselves think that they are getting better....kwim? Like a mind over matter type thing.

my2monkeyboys replied: Yeah, I think you're right. It's amazing what can happen when you believe it strong enough.

redchief replied: NOTE: I have used neither Zicam or Airborne. This information is based on my research into the subject.

There are at least six clinical studies (five independent) that support the benefits of using Zicam to reduce the symptoms and length of the cold. Zicam apparently inhibits the cold virus' ability to attach to cells in the nasal cavity using a zinc "filler." According to the reports I've read, as long as the recommended dosage is adhered to, there is little chance for acute or chronic side effects. According to all of the studies, it is reported that between 75% and 80% of Zicam users note benefits of reduced symptoms and shorter cold durations. There is no information in my research regarding children's use of Zicam.

There have been several independent studies done on Airborne also; but not by the government which does not consider Airborne a medicine. There is no clinical evidence that the product will reduce the chance of contracting a cold, nor is there evidence that symptoms will be reduced in the event of infection. Airborne utilizes teacher and airline employee testimonials in it's advertising, but provides no clinical data supporting their claims. Airborne is basically a mixture of vitamins, mostly vitamins A, C, (citric acid), E. Aside from the fact that Airborne contains more than the daily recommended dosage of some vitamins, I could find no evidence that states it is harmful. The "active" and proprietary ingredients are herbs (Proprietary Blend of Maltodextrin, Lonicera, Forsythia, Schizonepeta, Ginger, Chinese Vitex, Isatis Root, Echinacea - from the Airborne website).

That's what I've been able to find out about these products.

my2monkeyboys replied: Wow, redchief, you rock!
Thanks for all the effort and information... maybe I'll reconsider the Zicam for kids. My DH is saying he feels better already, and he's only been taking it since last night.
Thanks again!

CAMSMOM1 replied: My Supervisor at work swears by "Musinex" (sp?) He even made this big annoucment at one of our staff meetings, because everyone was getting sick. I haven't tried it, but by his excitement, I thought I'd share that with you.

paradisemommy replied: i LOVE zicam..i have used it a few times and i also gave it to taven (who is 3 1/2)..his colds usually drag between a cough and runny nose and last at least a week..i only gave him 2 doses on day 1 when he was sneezing a zillion times and had a runny nose - by day 2, his runny nose was completely all dried up and all he had was a hoarse voice..

coincidence? guess i'll never know but you can bet my house is stocked up with zicam!! :0)

MyLuvBugs replied: I LOVE airborne. It tastes good, and is 100% natural. I'm all for it. Zicam....I use if I absolutely have to. I'm not a big fan of it b/c I burns my nose a bit.

kit_kats_mom replied: I took the zicam cold & flu meds when I had the flu last. The one that come in a spoon. They were awesome & didn't give me the drugged out feeling that I get from most cold meds. I have also used the zinc lozenges (cold-eze?) and those do seem to shorten the duration of colds. The best thing to do if others are sick but you aren't is to wash your hands regularly & keep urell by the sink