Zinc Nasal Sprays and Gels and Loss of Smell: Regulator Warnings
Zinc nasal sprays and gels have been linked to loss of smell; what FDA, NCCIH and MedlinePlus say, how this differs from oral zinc, and what to do if smell changes.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Evidence labels: safety signal (regulator and case reports), mixed, Proper evidence not found. We name no products here.
What regulators said
| Source | What it said | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| FDA, guidance on homeopathic drug products | By 2009, FDA had received more than 130 reports of anosmia (loss of smell) linked to homeopathic intranasal zinc products. FDA determined that, used as labeled, a user would get significant daily intranasal zinc exposure, a serious safety concern. [3] | United States |
| NCCIH clinical digest, December 2020 | In 2009, FDA warned consumers to stop using several intranasal zinc cold remedies because they had been linked to anosmia. [1] | United States |
We did not read warnings from other regulators on this topic, so we cannot say how other countries treat these products. Proper evidence not found for a non-US regulator statement; we searched FDA, NIH and MedlinePlus pages only.
What research shows
| Question | What the source found | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Does intranasal zinc cause loss of smell in people? | FDA counted over 130 reports by 2009. Reports are not a measured rate and cannot prove cause. [3] | Safety signal |
| Is loss of smell permanent? | NCCIH says it may be long-lasting or permanent. [1] | Safety signal |
| Do nasal products help colds? | Four of the 34 trials in the 2024 Cochrane review used intranasal zinc (and one combined nasal and lozenge zinc); it did not report a separate verdict for nasal products in the summary we read. [4] | Proper evidence not found for a separate verdict |
Oral zinc is not the same exposure
The 2009 FDA warning, as NCCIH describes it, concerned intranasal products; oral lozenges are assessed separately and have their own side effects such as nausea and a bad taste. [1][4] The Cochrane review's adverse-event outcomes included loss of smell, among other effects. [4]Who should be extra careful
Loss of smell is worth a clinician's attention whatever the cause. If smell loss follows any nasal product, tell the clinician which product and for how long. Children, pregnant people and anyone on regular medicines should check with a clinician or pharmacist before using any zinc product. For other nasal approaches see Jala neti and nasal irrigation and the medication interactions page.Frequently asked questions
Can zinc nasal spray cause loss of smell?
Yes, it has been linked to it. FDA received more than 130 reports of smell loss by 2009, and NCCIH says intranasal zinc has been linked to severe and permanent loss. [3][1]
Is the loss of smell permanent?
It may be long-lasting or permanent, according to NCCIH. [1]
Do zinc lozenges carry the same warning?
The warning as described was about intranasal products. Oral zinc has other side effects, such as nausea and a bad taste. [1][4]
What should I do if my smell changes?
Stop the product and talk to a clinician or pharmacist.
Do nasal zinc products shorten colds?
Proper evidence not found for a separate answer in the sources we read; the main review pooled many zinc forms. [4]
References
- NCCIH, The Common Cold and Complementary Health Approaches: What the Science Says (December 2020). Read 2026-10-22.
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Zinc in diet (review date 1/21/2025). Read 2026-10-22.
- FDA, Drug Products Labeled as Homeopathic: Guidance for FDA Staff and Industry. Read 2026-10-22.
- Nault D et al. Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024. PubMed 38719213. Read 2026-10-22.