Is Zicam a NSAID?

Who should not take a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)/ Zicam?

Patients who had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction with aspirin or any other NSAID medicine or for pain right before or after heart bypass surgery.

Can Zicam be used with diuretics?

No. Zicam should not be used with diuretics. Zicam reduces the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides diuretics in some patients. This response has been attributed to inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis.

Can you donate blood when on the medication with Zicam?

Yes. You can donate blood when on Zicam. Do inform your doctor before donating blood.

What is the difference between Zicam and meloxicam?

Both Zicam and meloxicam are pain killers. Both are non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase - an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain). Research studies have shown both are equally effective. However, acute gastric side effects are lesser with meloxicam as compared to Zicam.

Can Zicam be used to treat menstrual cramp?

Zicam is not approved for the treatment of menstrual cramps. Research studies have shown that piroxicam is quite effective in significantly decreasing the menstrual cramps.

Can I use Zicam for a migraine?

Zicam is not approved for the treatment of migraine. Research studies have shown that Zicam is effective in significantly decreasing the pain associated with migraine without aura.

Can I use Zicam if I am pregnant?

No. Zicam should not be taken in pregnancy. It causes premature closure of the ductus arteriosus which can lead to fetal heart failure and death of the baby.

What is the difference between Zicam and naproxen?

Both Zicam and naproxen are pain killers. Both are non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase - an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain). Research studies have shown both are equally effective. However, gastric side effects are lesser with naproxen as compared to Zicam.

What is the difference between Zicam and diclofenac?

Both Zicam and diclofenac are pain killers. However, piroxicam is a non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase - an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) inhibitor whereas diclofenac has a bit more selectivity to a COX-2 enzyme. This selectivity of diclofenac is supposed to decrease the side effects as compared to Zicam.

What is the difference between Zicam and nimesulide?

Both Zicam and nimesulide are pain killers. However, Zicam is a non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain) inhibitor whereas nimesulide is selective to the COX-2 enzyme. This selectivity of nimesulide is supposed to decrease the side effects as compared to piroxicam. It should not be used in children below 12 years of age.

Can I use Zicam if I have peptic ulcer disease?

No. Zicam is contraindicated in cases of active peptic ulcer disease. Zicam is known to cause gastric ulceration and bleeding.

Is Zicam a blood thinner?

No. Zicam is not a blood thinner. It is a pain killer. It should be avoided in a patient with a bleeding disorder.

What are the serious side effects of Zicam?

GI discomfort and, rarely, serious GI side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding, serious skin side effects such as exfoliative, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis, liver failure, renal damage.

Why is beta cyclodextrin added to Zicam?

Yes. Zicam can be combined with beta-cyclodextrin. Research has shown that combining Zicam with beta-cyclodextrin leads to faster onset of action of piroxicam and reduced gastric side effects.

Can Zicam be used with lithium?

No. Zicam should not be used with lithium. Zicam leads to an elevation of plasma lithium levels and a reduction in renal lithium clearance. This is because of inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis by the NSAID. Consult and inform your doctor before starting this medication.

Can Zicam be used with calcium channel blocker?

Yes. Zicam can be taken with calcium channel blocker. NSAIDs have been observed to reduce the effectiveness of all antihypertensive drugs except calcium channel blockers (ref: White 2007)

Is Zicam affective in gout management?

Yes. Zicam can be given for the treatment of acute gout. Research studies have shown Zicam to be highly effective in the treatment of acute gout.

What increases the chances of getting a gastric ulcer when I am already taking Zicam?

The chances of gastric ulceration increases if you take medicines like corticosteroids and anticoagulants. Long term use, alcohol, smoking and old age are few other factors which can increase the chances of ulceration.

Is Zicam a sulfa drug?

Zicam is a sulphur containing compound. Zicam can cause serious adverse events in sensitive individuals. It can cause severe skin reactions like Steven Johnson Syndrome. Do inform your doctor if you have any kind of allergies.

Can Zicam be used in the treatment of allergy?

No. Zicam is not a drug to treat allergy. It is a pain killer.

What are the contraindications for Zicam?

Contraindications to piroxicam are an allergy, bleeding tendency, duodenal/gastric/peptic ulcer, stomatitis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), ulcerative colitis, upper GI disease, late pregnancy, cardiac disease, hepatic impairment, renal impairment.

Can Zicam lead to skin reactions?

Yes. Zicam is known to cause skin reactions which can be very severe such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. These serious events may occur without warning. You should inform your doctor if you feel you have a mild rash and immediately discontinue the drug.

What is the difference between Zicam and ketoprofen?

Both Zicam and ketoprofen are pain killers. Both are non-selective COX (cyclooxygenase -an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain). Research studies have shown ketoprofen topical gel is better and effective as compared to Zicam. Ketoprofen gel also showed excellent tolerability.

Can Zicam be used along with paracetamol?

Yes. Paracetamol can be used with Zicam as no serious side effects are known. Inform your doctor before starting any of the medication.

Can I use Zicam if I have asthma?

Some patients with asthma are hypersensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like aspirin which can lead to acute attacks of asthma. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.

Can you get high by using Zicam?

No. Zicam is not known to cause high. It is a non-narcotic painkiller.

Are there any alternatives of Zicam?

Yes. There are alternatives to Zicam. Pain killers are prescribed according to the disease condition. Consult your doctor before starting piroxicam or changing it to other medication.

Can Zicam be used along with dexamethasone?

No. Zicam should not be used with dexamethasone. They both increase each others toxicity. There is an increased risk of GI ulceration.