The FDA assembled advisers to take another look at phenylephrine, which became the main drug in over-the-counter decongestants when medicines with an older ingredient were moved behind counters.
Nasal decongestants do not actually relieve congestion, FDA advisers say nj.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nj.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Government advisers say the leading decongestant used by millions of Americans to treat nasal congestion doesn t actually work. The Food and Drug Administration convened an expert panel to review the latest data on phenylephrine. That s found in over-the-counter versions of Sudafed, Dayquil and most other cold and allergy medicines sold on pharmacy shelves. Drugmakers reformulated their pills and solutions with the ingredient after a 2006 law required an older drug to be moved behind the counter. But researchers have long questioned the ingredient s effectiveness. The FDA advisers say new studies show oral phenylephrine was no better than a placebo at relieving congestion.
The leading decongestant used by millions of Americans looking for relief from a stuffy nose is likely no better than a dummy pill, according to government experts who reviewed the latest research on the long-questioned drug ingredient.