Neuroscience For Kids
Cold Medicine May Cause the Loss of the Sense of Smell
June 19, 2009
When you have a cold, you expect a stuffy nose will affect your ability
to smell. You also expect that when your cold goes away, your sense of
smell will return. You do not expect that medicine to
treat your cold will cause you to lose your sense of smell. But this is
exactly what the US Food and Drug
Administration (US FDA) is warning about. People should stop using
three cold medicines because these drugs have been linked with the loss of
the sense of smell (also called anosmia).
On June 16, 2009, the FDA issued a news release that advised consumers
to stop using:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Kids Size
The FDA knows of more than 130 cases of people who have lost their sense of smell after using these Zicam medicines. The loss may be long-lasting or even permanent! Although the maker of these products, Matrixx Initiatives, does not agree with the FDA ruling, it has recalled the medications.
Further information:
- Zicam - Information from Manufacturer
- FDA Warning Letter to Matrixx Initiative, Inc.
- The Nose Knows - Neuroscience for Kids
Copyright © 1996-2013, Eric H. Chudler, University of Washington
