Gargle away the sniffles? study tests mouthwash against cold and flu

NCT ID NCT06479226

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether gargling with a mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc could reduce cold and flu symptoms. 150 healthy adults either brushed their teeth alone or brushed and then gargled with the mouthwash twice daily for 90 days. Participants tracked their symptoms daily. The goal was to see if the mouthwash group had more symptom-free days.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

cetylpyridinium chloride (0.075%) and zinc mouthwash

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to reduce cold and flu symptoms during the season.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study in healthy adults, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be modest and not prevent illness entirely.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Federal University of Pelotas

    Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil