Phenylephrine: Commonly used decongestant in cold and flu remedies doesn’t work, says FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that the decongestant phenylephrine, used in hundreds of over-the-counter cold, flu, and allergy remedies, does not work.123

The regulator’s independent Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee voted unanimously that “orally administered phenylephrine is not effective as a nasal decongestant at the monographed dosage (10 mg of phenylephrine hydrochloride every 4 hours) as well as at doses up to 40 mg (dosed every 4 hours).” The committee said that phenylephrine is still effective in nasal sprays and drops, which are less commonly used.

Phenylephrine …