Although different Zicam products contain different ingredients, some of the active ingredients in Zicam cold remedies are galphimia glauca, luffa operculata, sabadilla, zincum aceticum, and zincum gluconicum, according to Zicam.com. Because Zicam is a homeopathic product, all of these ingredients are highly diluted in the final product.
Zicam nasal spray contains galphimia glauca, luffa operculata and sabadilla, all diluted at 4x, meaning that each active ingredient constitutes one part per 10,000 of the final product, explains Zicam. Zicam Original RapidMelts, Ultra RapidMelts, Oral Mist and Lozenges contain zincum aceticum diluted at 2x (1 part per 100) and zincum gluconicum diluted at 1x (1 part per 10).
Galphimia glauca, luffa operculata and sabadilla are all plant-based remedies. Zincum aceticum and zincum gluconicum are sources of zinc, a mineral.
Inactive ingredients include benzalkonium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate, eucalyptol, eugenol, glycine, hypromellose, menthol, monobasic sodium phosphate, phenethyl alcohol, polysorbate 80, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium chloride, and succinic acid, according to Zicam. Most of these provide flavor and color to the product.
Although mainstream Western medicine generally does not support homeopathy, there is some evidence that zinc may shorten the symptoms of the common cold according to WebMD. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor before beginning use of any new medicines.
