CLASS PARTICIPATION/DISCUSSION Ch 34
—due Saturday July 14 at 5 pm
Visit http://www.medicinenet.com/zinc_lozenges_as_a_cold_remedy/article.htm and read the article thoroughly. Based on what you’ve read, do you think zinc lozenges are effective against cold viruses? If you were to choose to take zinc lozenges the next time you have a cold, when would you begin treatment? What is the best dose per administration? Best timing of administration?
7 comments:
Base on the article i think that Zinc lozenges are effective in maily preventing the spread of viral infection:
* Zinc eleminates the proteins that the virus require for survival.
* Zinc can attach to the protein that already exist on the virus's edges.
* Zinc may protect the cell lining which could cause the cell being more impermeable to the virus.
I would beging treatment with zinc lozenges as soon as cold symptoms began to arise.
Take zinc lozenges that contain about 20mg of elemental zinc every 2 hours when the first symptoms of a cold is present for 3-4 days.
I think that zinc lozenges could be effective against cold viruses because in 12 controlled double blind studies 5 of the trials showed that the lozenges could either reduce the severity of the symptoms or reduce the duration of the virus. In the other 6 studies it is believed that the failure of the zinc lozenges to produce the same effects as the successful 5 trials is due to inadequate amounts of zinc (sometimes only 4.5 mg) in the lozenge or the addition of compounds such as citric acid, tartaric acid, mannitol, and sorbitol that decreased the bioavalibility of zinc.
I would use the lozenges within 24 hours of the onset of my cold symptoms. I would use a dosage of 13.3 mg to 23.7 mg once every 2 hours, but I wouldn’t exceed 6-12 lozenges per day.
I already take Zinc Gluconate lozenges and personally like them better than other lozenges. They do not make me drossy, which is a good thing if I am in school. I do believe that they are effective against cold viruses. For example, if a sore throat is present it doesn’t really ease the sore throat immediately like other cough drops, but the next day or later that evening, there is a significant difference in severity of symptoms. (Which was explained WHY in the article)
I take the lozenges as soon as I start to feel a tickle in my throat. The longer I wait to take the lozenges the more of them I have to take to get the desired results.
For maximum benefit, begin treatment at first sign of a cold. Completely dissolve lozenge in mouth. Do not chew as this reduces the effectiveness of the active ingredients. Repeat every 3 hours as needed. Recommended daily dose is 6 lozenges. To avoid upset stomach, do not take on an empty stomach. For maximum effect do not mix with citrus juices one hour before taking. (But otherwise stay hydrated) If symptoms are present more than 7 days, consult with doctor. I usually take 3 a day, once in the morning, once at mid-day and then right before I go to bed.
http://www.medicinenet.com/zinc_lozenges_as_a_cold_remedy/article.htm
Zinc Lozenges
As the artical states, there is no cure for the cold. I believe these lozenges would be effective against slowing the virus down and decreasing recovery time. Zinc lozenges either prevent the formation of the proteins required for the virus, or bind to the virus and prevent it from entering the cells. Although it is not 100% effective, it definately has the possibility to slow the virus.\
Since the lozenges work against the virus, I would begin taking them at the first sign of symptoms.
13.3 mg/lozenge every 2-4 waking hours. Do not exceed 6-12 a day. (numbers vary by brand) I would not take these every day due to the ability of an overdose to completley disrupt the immune system. I would only take the lozenges while symptoms were present.
http://www.medicinenet.com/zinc_lozenges_as_a_cold_remedy/page2.htm
I do believe that the zinc can help reduce the virus because the article states that:
• It might prevent the formation of proteins that are needed by a cold virus to reproduce and if it cannot reproduce, it cannot make you sick.
• It might also attach to proteins that are located on the edge of a cold virus. This keeps the virus from infecting your cells.
• And it could protect and stabilize the lining of the cells, which reduces the chance that the virus will penetrate the cells.
I would start the lozenges as soon as symptoms begin and would take one 13.3 mg/lozenge every 2-4 hours. I would stop taking the lozenges after symptoms were gone.
http://www.medicinenet.com/zinc_lozenges_as_a_cold_remedy/page2.htm
Based on the double blind placebo study which is the most subjective the zinc treatment prooved to be effective. The bioavailability of zinc and elements that affect the bioavailability require more research.They were affective in treating the cold if taken 24 hour after first symptoms were noticed. Since bioavailability is important a zinc lozenge contains about 20 mg of zinc and should be taken every two hours for 3-4 days.
Are they effective:Yes. I believe they are fairly effective in treating common viral infections associated with the common cold.
When to start treatment: As soon as I started to feel sick
Best dosage: 13.3mg q 2-4h as needed and a max. of 12/day.
Best timing of treatment: As soon as symptoms are vivid.
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