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Clinical Trial
. 1984 Jan;25(1):20-4.
doi: 10.1128/AAC.25.1.20.

Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study

G A Eby, D R Davis, W W Halcomb
Clinical Trial

Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study

G A Eby et al. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1984 Jan.

Abstract

As a possible treatment for common colds, we tested zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. One 23-mg zinc lozenge or matched placebo was dissolved in the mouth every 2 wakeful h after an initial double dose. After 7 days, 86% of 37 zinc-treated subjects were asymptomatic, compared with only 46% of 28 placebo-treated subjects (P = 0.0005). Side effects or complaints were usually minor and consisted mainly of objectionable taste and mouth irritation. Zinc lozenges shortened the average duration of common colds by about 7 days.

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