Duration of symptoms and plasma cytokine levels in patients with the common cold treated with zinc acetate. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

A S Prasad ¹, J T Fitzgerald , B Bao

⁰Department of Medicine, Wayne State University, University Health Center, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.

Annals of Internal Medicine +

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August 6, 2000

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Zinc acetate lozenges significantly reduced the duration and severity of common cold symptoms, particularly cough. This study suggests zinc may be an effective cold treatment, though its effect on cytokine levels needs further investigation.

Area Of Science

Pharmacology
Immunology
Infectious Diseases

Background

The common cold affects adults and children frequently, with inconsistent evidence regarding zinc's therapeutic efficacy.
Existing research on zinc for cold symptom relief shows mixed results, necessitating further clinical trials.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the effectiveness of zinc acetate lozenges in shortening the duration of common cold symptoms.
To assess the impact of zinc acetate on symptom severity and duration in ambulatory adults with colds.

Main Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 50 participants.
Participants received either 12.8 mg zinc acetate lozenges or placebo every 2-3 hours while awake.
Daily symptom scores and plasma cytokine levels were recorded to measure treatment efficacy.

Main Results

Zinc acetate lozenges significantly reduced overall cold symptom duration (4.5 vs. 8.1 days) and cough duration (3.1 vs. 6.3 days) compared to placebo.
A significant decrease in total symptom severity scores was observed in the zinc group (P < 0.002).
While zinc treatment showed a trend towards reduced inflammation, differences in cytokine levels between groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Zinc acetate lozenges are associated with a reduced duration and severity of common cold symptoms, notably cough.
The findings suggest a potential benefit of zinc in managing cold symptoms, possibly through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between zinc administration and changes in proinflammatory cytokine levels.

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