Zicam, otherwise known as Oxymetazoline, is a decongestant. It shrinks the blood vessels found in the nasal passage. A dilated blood vessel or a set of it, can lead to nasal congestion or stuffy nose. The medication is prescribed to patients suffering from nasal congestion to serve as a temporary relief for the condition. It is a decongestant that is normally prescribed to patients suffering from stuffy nose that is caused by common cold or allergies. However, the medication is also used for other purposes. But, even with the relief that this can provide, consumers should still be careful in taking the medication. That is because taking the medication comes with Zicam side effects too.
The Possible Zicam Side Effects
Patients taking the medication might experience ongoing symptoms that worsen at times. They may experience stinging in the nose or severe burning there after usage of the spray.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have ongoing or worsening symptoms or if you have severe burning or stinging in your nose after using the nasal spray. There may be times when they will experience fast or even an uneven heart rate or chest pain. Other possible side effects include severe headache, anxiety, shortness of breath, confusion and buzzing in the ears. If any of these side effects are experienced, it is best to stop using the nasal spray. Getting medical help would be beneficial in relieving the patient of the side effects as well.
There will be patients who will have allergic reaction due to taking the medication. Some signs indicating that the person is allergic to Zicam are hives, swelling of the face, face, throat, lips and tongue and difficulty in breathing. Get the person immediately to the hospital if these occur. Other side effects that are also common are mild burning of the nose, sneezing and runny nose.
Ways That Would Help In Preventing these Zicam Side Effects From Occurring
One of the basic things to keep in mind is not to use the decongestant if you know that you are allergic to it. It would help to ask your doctor first whether is it safe to take the medication. To help more in determining whether it is safe for you, tell the doctor about any medical conditions you have. You are not safe to take this if you have high blood pressure or heart or coronary artery disease. It is also not safe if you have diabetes, a thyroid disorder or urination problems.
Always follow the doctor’s instructions. If you are told not to eat specific foods while taking the medicine, follow it. Avoid all the things you are told to by the doctor. It is one of the simple ways of preventing the side effects from occurring. Also, follow the directions in using the decongestant. Do not use too much or too little of it unless prescribed. Since there are cases when side effects cannot be controlled, it would be best to go to your doctor once any of it takes place.
