Zinc Nasal Sprays and Loss of Smell: What the FDA Warned and Why

Zinc products put inside the nose have been linked to loss of the sense of smell, sometimes after a single dose. In 2009 the FDA told consumers to stop using and throw away three zinc nasal cold remedies after receiving more than 130 reports of people losing their sense of smell, and it said the loss may be permanent.

Zinc taken by mouth, such as lozenges, was not part of that warning. This guide explains what happened, what doctors found, the warning signs of smell loss, and safer ways to ease a stuffy nose from a cold or allergies. For more options, see our allergy treatment guides.

Jump to: Quick answer · The FDA warning · What studies found · Oral zinc · Signs of smell loss · Safer options · FAQ

Quick answer

• The risk: zinc applied inside the nose can damage the smell-sensing cells in the nose.
• The FDA warning (June 16, 2009): stop using and discard Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Cold Remedy Swabs and Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size, after more than 130 reports of smell loss.
• Possibly permanent: the FDA said the loss of smell may be permanent, and many people said it happened with the first dose.
• Oral zinc is different: the warning did not cover zinc tablets or lozenges taken by mouth.
• If you notice smell changes after using any zinc product in your nose, the FDA recommends contacting your healthcare professional.

The 2009 FDA warning

On June 16, 2009, the FDA warned consumers to stop using and discard three zinc-containing Zicam products used in the nose, which were sold to shorten colds and ease symptoms:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (already discontinued at the time)

The agency said it had received more than 130 reports of anosmia (loss of the sense of smell) linked to these products. Many people said it happened with the first dose, though some noticed it after later doses. The FDA was concerned that the loss may be permanent, and it raised a special concern about children, who may lose their sense of smell without being able to say so.

The FDA also sent the maker a warning letter saying the products could not be marketed without FDA approval and did not carry adequate warnings about the risk. It asked doctors and consumers to report any loss of smell after using zinc nasal products to its MedWatch program.

What doctors and studies found

• A clear pattern (2006): doctors at a nasal dysfunction clinic in San Diego described 17 patients who lost some or all of their sense of smell after using a zinc gluconate nasal gel. All of them had sniffed deeply when applying it, felt an immediate burning that lasted minutes to hours, and noticed smell loss within 48 hours. Seven of the 17 never even developed cold symptoms. The authors called it the zinc-induced anosmia syndrome: “squirt, sniff, burn, and anosmia.”
• Possibly long-lasting (2004): a report from the University of Colorado described severe smell loss after intranasal zinc gluconate, which appeared long-lasting or permanent in some cases. The authors concluded that zinc ions are toxic to the smell-sensing lining of the nose.
• Little proven benefit (2009): a review of trials of zinc in the nose for colds found some benefit in individual trials, but pooling the results showed no significant improvement in symptoms by day 3.

Given the FDA’s concerns, the case reports and the lack of clear benefit, there is little reason to put zinc in your nose when safer options exist.

What about zinc lozenges and tablets?

The FDA warning did not cover zinc taken by mouth, and the agency noted that zinc is an important trace mineral the body needs. Whether oral zinc helps colds is a separate question. A 2024 Cochrane review of 34 trials found that zinc may have little or no effect on preventing colds, but may shorten colds that have already started, with an increase in non-serious side effects. The evidence varied widely between studies.

If you are thinking about zinc supplements, ask a pharmacist or doctor about the dose and how they might interact with your other medicines.

Signs of smell loss to watch for

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) describes these smell problems:

• Hyposmia: a reduced ability to detect odors.
• Anosmia: the complete inability to detect odors.
• Parosmia: familiar smells seem changed or distorted.
• Phantosmia: smelling an odor that isn’t there.

Smell is a warning system. NIDCD notes it alerts you to the smoke of a fire, gas leaks and spoiled food, and that a poor sense of smell can change eating habits and, in severe cases, contribute to depression. If your smell changes, test your smoke and gas detectors and check food dates more carefully until you see a doctor.

See your doctor, or an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist), if your sense of smell changes after using a nasal product or doesn’t come back after a cold.

Safer ways to ease a stuffy nose

• Saltwater rinses: a neti pot or squeeze bottle rinses mucus and allergens from the nose. Use distilled, sterile or boiled and cooled water. See our neti pot guide.
• Humidified air: a cool-mist humidifier can ease a stuffy nose during a cold, if you keep it clean and the humidity under 50%. Read humidifiers and flu.
• Allergy medicines: if your stuffiness comes from allergies, steroid nose sprays and antihistamines can help. Our guide to Claritin-D and Theraflu explains decongestants and how to avoid doubling up.
• Rest and time: most colds get better on their own. See a doctor if symptoms get worse instead of better, or if you have trouble breathing.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.

Frequently asked questions

Can zinc nasal spray cause loss of smell?

Yes, it has been linked to it. The FDA received more than 130 reports of smell loss with three zinc nasal cold products and warned in 2009 that the loss may be permanent. Doctors have described a pattern of sniffing the product, feeling it burn, and losing smell within 48 hours.

Is loss of smell from zinc permanent?

It can be. The FDA said the loss may be permanent, and a medical report found it appeared long-lasting or permanent in some people. Others may recover, which is why it’s worth seeing a doctor promptly.

Are zinc lozenges safe for my sense of smell?

The FDA’s warning did not involve zinc tablets or lozenges taken by mouth. A 2024 Cochrane review found oral zinc for colds came with more non-serious side effects, so follow the label and ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure.

What did the FDA say about intranasal zinc?

On June 16, 2009, the FDA told consumers to stop using and discard Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Cold Remedy Swabs and Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size, and to contact a healthcare professional if they lost their sense of smell after using any zinc product in the nose.

Does zinc help the sense of smell?

Zinc in the nose can harm it. We found no reliable evidence that zinc supplements restore a lost sense of smell; an ear, nose and throat doctor can look for the cause and treatment options.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Warnings on three Zicam intranasal zinc products. Consumer update, June 16, 2009 (archived copy).
• Alexander TH, Davidson TM. Intranasal zinc and anosmia: the zinc-induced anosmia syndrome. Laryngoscope. 2006;116(2):217-220.
• Jafek BW, Linschoten MR, Murrow BW. Anosmia after intranasal zinc gluconate use. Am J Rhinol. 2004;18(3):137-141.
• D’Cruze H, Arroll B, Kenealy T. Is intranasal zinc effective and safe for the common cold? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Prim Health Care. 2009;1(2):134-139.
• Nault D, Machingo TA, Shipper AG, et al. Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;5:CD014914.
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Smell disorders. Updated July 31, 2023.

Last reviewed: October 21, 2026.