Tag: Oral decongestant

According to a 2023 FDA Drug Advisory Committee review, oral phenylephrine, a common ingredient in many over-the-counter cold medicines, is not effective as a nasal decongestant. Choosing what is the best nasal decongestant depends heavily on the cause of your congestion, whether it's from a cold or allergies, and the speed and duration of relief needed.

According to a 2009 study, a single dose of pseudoephedrine was significantly more effective at treating nasal congestion than both a placebo and the alternative decongestant phenylephrine. In the context of this superior efficacy, understanding **what is real pseudoephedrine** is crucial for consumers seeking effective relief from sinus and cold symptoms. This potent oral decongestant is regulated due to its potential misuse, a factor that has led to widespread confusion with its weaker, unregulated counterpart.