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Therapeutics
Review: Insufficient evidence exists on the efficacy of zinc lozenges for cold symptoms

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.4.6.186

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    Marshall I. Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Review, latest version 15 Feb 1999. In: The Cochrane Library. Oxford: Update Software.

    Question

    Are zinc lozenges efficacious in reducing the incidence, severity, and duration of cold symptoms?

    Data sources

    Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE (1966 to 1997), EMBASE/Excerpta Medica (1974 to 1997), and the Cochrane Library. Bibliographies of relevant papers were searched to identify unpublished trials.

    Study selection

    Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were selected if they evaluated interventions that began within 3 days of development of cold symptoms and compared treatment with zinc or placebo lozenges taken every 1.5 to 2 hours during waking hours for more than 6 h/d for a duration of 5 consecutive days. Outcomes had to include incidence and severity of throat and nasal symptoms and cough.

    Data extraction

    Data were extracted on study methods, participants, intervention, and outcomes. Methodologic quality of …

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