What medication is used for loss of taste and smell? An overview

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2023 study, early in the pandemic, roughly 40–50% of people with COVID-19 experienced impaired smell or taste. The question of what medication is used for loss of taste and smell is complex, as effective treatment is not one-size-fits-all and depends heavily on the underlying root cause.

Quick Summary

This article explores the pharmacological treatments and other therapies for anosmia and ageusia, detailing how the correct approach is determined by the specific cause. It covers medications for inflammatory conditions, supplements for deficiencies, and effective non-medication strategies.

Key Points

No Single Medication: There is no universal medication to treat loss of taste and smell; treatment is highly dependent on the underlying cause, which must be diagnosed first.
Target the Root Cause: Effective medication strategies involve treating the specific issue, such as using corticosteroids for nasal inflammation or antivirals for COVID-19-related loss.
Corticosteroids Have Mixed Results: Intranasal steroids are useful for inflammation and polyps, but oral and nasal steroids have produced mixed evidence for post-viral smell loss.
Supplements Vary in Efficacy: Zinc is effective only for confirmed deficiencies, while evidence for alpha-lipoic acid is mixed and requires more rigorous study.
Olfactory Training is Highly Recommended: This non-medication therapy is safe, effective, and has significant evidence for retraining the sense of smell, particularly after viral infections.
Address Underlying Conditions: If a medication is causing the loss of taste or smell, a doctor may adjust the prescription; addressing other systemic issues is also critical.
Recovery Varies: Some cases resolve on their own, especially after viral infections, while persistent issues may require long-term management strategies.

The senses of taste (gustation) and smell (olfaction) are intricately linked, and their loss, known as ageusia and anosmia respectively, can profoundly impact quality of life. Since there is no single FDA-approved drug to restore these senses, the course of treatment is highly individualized. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist is often needed to diagnose the specific underlying problem before considering any pharmacological interventions.

Identifying the Cause: The First Step to Treatment

Before exploring medication, a healthcare provider will determine the cause of the chemosensory loss. Potential causes range from infections to neurological issues, including viral infections (like COVID-19), nasal/sinus diseases, head trauma, certain medications, nutritional deficiencies, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Pharmacological Approaches for Chemosensory Loss

Medication for anosmia and ageusia targets the specific cause rather than the symptoms directly.

Corticosteroids

For inflammation, corticosteroids are a primary option. Nasal corticosteroids like fluticasone are used for conditions like nasal polyps. Oral corticosteroids may be used short-term, but studies on their effectiveness for post-viral loss are mixed.

Antivirals for COVID-19-Related Loss

Antiviral treatments like ensitrelvir (in Japan) and potentially Paxlovid may speed recovery of taste and smell in mild to moderate COVID-19 cases and reduce the risk of long-term changes.

Supplements and Other Agents

Zinc can treat taste disorders caused by a deficiency, but evidence for other patients is mixed. Alpha-lipoic acid shows mixed results for post-viral loss. Intranasal insulin shows promise in pilot studies, needing more research. Anticonvulsants are anecdotally used for parosmia, but lack strong evidence.

Comparing Treatments: Medication vs. Non-Medication


Treatment Type	Primary Use	Evidence Level	Best for	Considerations
Intranasal Corticosteroids	Nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis	High (for nasal polyps)	Inflammation-related loss	Limited evidence for pure post-viral loss
Oral Corticosteroids	Inflammatory-related loss (short course)	Mixed (for post-viral)	Reducing acute inflammation	Potential for systemic side effects; not a long-term solution
Antivirals (e.g., Ensitrelvir, Paxlovid)	COVID-19-related loss	Moderate-High (COVID-19)	Early intervention post-COVID	Availability, specific to COVID-19
Zinc Supplementation	Nutritional deficiency	High (for confirmed deficiency)	Proven zinc deficiency	Not effective if levels are normal; some nasal products are harmful
Olfactory Training	Post-viral anosmia, long-term issues	High (especially with early start)	Retraining sensory neurons	Non-pharmacological, safe, and effective; requires consistency
Change/Adjust Medications	Drug-induced loss	High (based on medication interaction)	When a prescription is the cause	Requires a doctor's supervision; don't stop medication without guidance

The Role of Non-Medication Therapies: Olfactory Training

Olfactory training is a highly recommended non-pharmacological method for post-infectious anosmia and parosmia. It involves regularly sniffing a set of four distinct odors to stimulate neural regeneration. Consistency is key, and it can be started early.

Practical Tips for Managing Symptoms

While recovering, consider enhancing food with texture and temperature, using safe seasonings, ensuring safety measures like smoke alarms are functional, and seeking emotional support.

Conclusion: A Personalized Treatment Plan is Essential

In summary, there is no single medication for taste and smell loss. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, whether it's inflammation, infection, or another factor. Corticosteroids may help inflammatory causes, while antivirals show promise for COVID-19 related loss. Supplements like zinc are effective only for deficiencies. Olfactory training is a key non-pharmacological approach. Many cases improve over time, and managing symptoms while awaiting recovery is important. Always consult a healthcare professional for a personalized plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no over-the-counter (OTC) medication proven to cure anosmia or ageusia. While some OTC products like nasal steroids might help if the cause is inflammation from allergies, treatment for the underlying issue, and not the symptom, is most effective. Some nasal zinc products have also been linked to anosmia and should be avoided.

Zinc supplementation can be effective for taste disorders caused by a diagnosed zinc deficiency. However, there is mixed clinical evidence for its use in patients with normal zinc levels, and it is not a guaranteed cure. It is best to only take zinc supplements under a doctor's guidance.

Corticosteroids, both nasal and oral, are used to treat chemosensory loss caused by inflammation, such as that from nasal polyps or chronic rhinosinusitis. While some short-term use may show benefits, a large randomized trial found oral corticosteroids were not effective for persistent post-COVID-19 smell loss.

Olfactory training is a non-medication therapy that involves sniffing a set of strong, familiar odors regularly over a period of time to help regenerate neural pathways. It is often recommended by doctors and has shown good results for post-viral smell loss.

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the cause. For viral infections like the common cold or flu, the senses may return within a few weeks. Post-COVID-19 recovery times vary, and some long-lasting cases may take months or years. Spontaneous recovery can also occur.

Yes, many different medications can cause a loss of taste and smell as a side effect. If you suspect a medication is the cause, speak to your doctor, who may be able to suggest an alternative or adjust the dosage. Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without medical advice.

Parosmia is a distortion of existing smells, and it is a positive sign of nerve regeneration. Olfactory training is a primary treatment, as is treating any underlying inflammatory conditions. Some anticonvulsant medications like gabapentin have been explored, but more evidence is needed.