FDA Advisors Recommend Removing Ineffective Decongestant Phenylephrine From Market
-
FDA advisors said popular decongestant phenylephrine doesn't actually work and could be removed from market.
-
Phenylephrine gets metabolized in intestine before reaching bloodstream when taken orally, so it's ineffective.
-
Pseudoephedrine products like Sudafed are more effective decongestants but kept behind pharmacy counters due to meth risk.
-
Phenylephrine became popular as an alternative when pseudoephedrine was restricted, but likely doesn't help beyond placebo effect.
-
Saline nasal sprays/rinses are recommended as effective congestion relief without risks or overdose potential.