Tag: Oral decongestants

In 2000, the FDA issued a public health warning regarding phenylpropanolamine (PPA), an active ingredient in many over-the-counter drugs, which significantly contributed to why Dristan was discontinued in its original formulation. This critical safety concern, coupled with later findings regarding the ineffectiveness of a replacement ingredient, reshaped the cold and flu medication market and led to Dristan's evolution.

Did you know that many popular oral decongestants sold over-the-counter are largely ineffective? Following extensive review, the FDA announced in late 2024 that it is proposing to remove medications containing oral phenylephrine, an ingredient found in numerous cold and allergy products, because it has been proven to be no better than a placebo for nasal congestion.

In 2023, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee unanimously voted that oral phenylephrine is ineffective, finally clarifying the core of the public health debate around what is the problem with phenylephrine. For decades, this ingredient has been a staple in over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy medications, yet robust modern clinical data fails to prove its efficacy for nasal congestion. The issue centers on its poor absorption and metabolism when taken orally, rendering it essentially useless for its intended purpose.

Approximately 81 million people in the U.S. experience allergy symptoms annually, which often includes nasal congestion. If you're wondering what drug relieves a stuffy nose, the answer depends on the cause, with options ranging from decongestants and antihistamines to nasal steroid sprays.

In September 2023, an FDA advisory committee unanimously concluded that oral phenylephrine, an active ingredient in many over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies, is ineffective as a nasal decongestant. This decision has prompted many consumers to ask, 'Is the FDA pulling DayQuil?' while the agency proceeds with a formal proposal to remove the ingredient.

In September 2023, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel unanimously determined that oral phenylephrine, a widely available decongestant, is ineffective at relieving nasal congestion. This finding answers the crucial question: which decongestant has proven ineffective, confirming that countless over-the-counter products offer no more relief than a placebo.

In a significant move impacting over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, an FDA advisory panel unanimously voted in September 2023 that oral phenylephrine, a common ingredient in many cold and allergy medicines, is ineffective for treating nasal congestion. This has led to the question: what cold medicines are they pulling off the shelf? The answer is tied directly to this ingredient and the voluntary actions of some retailers.

Over 30 million adults in the US are diagnosed with sinusitis every year, driving the search for effective treatments. But with so many options, which is the best tablet for sinuses to relieve congestion, pressure, and pain? The answer depends on your specific symptoms, requiring a targeted approach to medication selection.