Zicam Warning!

BALTIMORE (WJZ)

Federal regulators are warning the public about a commonly used cold remedy.

Federal regulators are warning the public about a commonly used cold remedy. Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn explains why people who use certain Zicam products should stop.

The FDA says the nasal gel could permanently damage a person's ability to smell.

Walk into any drug store and you'll find a variety of Zicam products. At issue are the ones that contain zinc.

"The theory is that zinc is toxic to virus particles and so if you have a virus in your nose or throat and you have the zinc, that will help fight the virus," said Dr. Janet O'Mahony, Mercy Medical Center.

But this active ingredient in Zicam could have another effect, which has raised concerns at the FDA. Zinc could also harm nerves in the nose necessary for smelling....