FDA Panel Questions Effectiveness of Common Cold Medicine Ingredient

FDA advisory panel concludes that the decongestant phenylephrine, found in many popular cold medicines, is no more effective than a placebo.
This raises the likelihood that medicines containing phenylephrine will be removed from shelves this fall.
The FDA previously insisted phenylephrine is safe, but multiple studies found it doesn't work when taken orally.
Drug manufacturers argue phenylephrine is effective and warn removing it could burden consumers and the healthcare system.
The FDA must now decide whether to hold a vote to ban phenylephrine altogether.

theguardian.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/16/2023

Major Retailers Sued Over Ineffective Decongestant Ingredients

A new lawsuit filed in California targets 14 retailers and pharmaceutical companies, including Walmart, CVS, and Amazon, for selling over-the-counter medicines containing phenylephrine as a decongestant, despite a regulatory panel ruling that it is ineffective, with the plaintiffs seeking class-action status and damages.

9/27/2023

Medical experts are recommending alternatives to oral decongestants, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, steam, and rest, after the FDA voted against the effectiveness of phenylephrine in relieving nasal congestion.