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.

    • @InverseParallaxEnglish
      1•1 month ago

      Think that’s epinephrine, ie adrenaline (as a hormone, epinephrine when a neurotransmitter or when affecting the heart and vasculature).

      Edit: actually adrenaline was the first European patent name, while the US discoverer used epinephrine thinking it was a different compound, interesting.