The FDA says oral phenylephrine, used in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, "is not effective as a nasal decongestant."

Summary

The FDA has proposed removing oral phenylephrine, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold medicines like NyQuil and Sudafed, due to evidence that it is ineffective as a nasal decongestant.

The proposal follows a unanimous vote by FDA advisers last year, and recent studies showing less than 1% of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally.

The public comment period ends on May 7, after which the FDA may finalize the ban.

  • TheRealKuniEnglish
    4•3 hours ago

    That’s probably the doxylamine succinate, which is an antihistamine and also relieves congestion.

    As I understand it, studies have shown phenylephrine simply doesn’t do anything at the oral doses we get. It’s in there because pseudoephedrine got moved behind the counter because meth production can use it, but it’s essentially useless.

    If what you’re really after is a decongestant, go to the counter and ask for Sudafed (or generic pseudoephedrine). They’ll probably ask for your ID because meth, but that shit works. I get the 12-hour kind, personally.

    (Just know that it might keep you awake.)