Tag: Oral phenylephrine

In September 2023, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee unanimously concluded that oral phenylephrine, a key ingredient in hundreds of over-the-counter cold medicines, is ineffective at relieving nasal congestion [1.3.1, 1.3.3]. This article explains what nasal decongestant is being discontinued as a result and what consumers should use instead.

In September 2023, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee unanimously voted that oral phenylephrine is not an effective treatment for nasal congestion. This has led to the FDA's proposed removal of the ingredient, leaving many to wonder what nasal decongestant is FDA removing and what options are available for relief.

In September 2023, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee unanimously declared oral phenylephrine, a common active ingredient in over-the-counter decongestants, ineffective. This decision, which has led the FDA to propose removing the ingredient's market status, reveals a decades-old issue with a drug many consumers assumed was working. The situation raises an important question: **what drug did the FDA say was ineffective**?