There are a lot of nasal gels in the market nowadays that treats several types of ailments.  Majority of the nasal gels are treatments for the nasal decongestion, common colds, sinusitis and allergies. 

Several brands are available in the market offering different types of relief for nasal discomfort due to colds like Zicam, Rhinaris, Vicks, Walgreens and Ayr that can be bought over the counter.  However, consumers should be extra careful and strict with dosages.  The ingredients of each brand differ depending on the strength of the medication.  Ayr is one of the leading brands and like its competitors, nasal gels are usually water-based and has special aloe added that helps soothe and moisturize dry, sore nasal cavities.  One brand of nasal gel treatment for colds that hit the headlines recently was Zicam produced by Matrixx Initiative, Inc.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to the manufacturers of Matrixx ordering the recall of Zicam from the market due to a lawsuit against the company due to the products’ causing anosmia to those who used it. 

Anosmia is the condition wherein the person losses his smell and partially loses taste as well.  The active ingredient of Zicam that is linked to anosmia is zinc gluconate.  The lawsuit leads into a settlement wherein Matrixx agreed to pay $12 Million to the benefit of the petitioners who were victims of anosmia, claiming that they acquired the condition after one use of Zicam.  Another form of Zicam is still available in the market for over the counter purchase.