FDA Re-evaluating Common Decongestant Ingredient Phenylephrine for Ineffectiveness
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FDA committee reviewing effectiveness of phenylephrine, a common ingredient in many over-the-counter nasal decongestants
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Phenylephrine works by constricting blood vessels in the nose to reduce swelling, but may not be absorbed effectively when taken in pill form
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FDA previously reviewed phenylephrine in 2007 but called for more studies, which have now found the ingredient ineffective at typical OTC doses
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If FDA reclassifies phenylephrine, many popular decongestant products could be reformulated or taken off shelves
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Spray forms of phenylephrine work quickly but briefly and can damage nasal tissue with prolonged use; sprays not part of current FDA review