Have you ever felt like your over-the-counter cold medicine just isn’t doing the job? Well, according to the FDA there may be a very clear reason for that.
AP NEWS: FDA says decongestant in many cold medicines doesn’t work. So what does?
Key Points:
- Phenylephrine Ineffectiveness: The FDA concluded that phenylephrine, found in popular medicines like Sudafed and Dayquil, does not effectively relieve nasal congestion.
- FDA Proposal: The FDA has proposed revoking phenylephrine’s use in pills and liquid solutions, which will likely lead to its removal or reformulation in many products.
- Historical Context: Phenylephrine became popular after pseudoephedrine, a more effective decongestant, was moved behind pharmacy counters due to its potential use in methamphetamine production.
Effective Alternatives:
- Pseudoephedrine: Available behind the pharmacy counter in products like Sudafed and Claritin D. Requires a photo ID for purchase.
- Nasal Steroids: Such as Flonase, Nasacort, and Rhinocort, recommended for long-term relief from nasal congestion and stuffiness.
- Antihistamine Sprays: Fast-acting options like Astepro for short-term relief.
- Saline Drops and Rinses: Quick way to clear mucus from the nose.
You may want to consider skipping the over-the-counter options that the FDA says don’t work. I swear by Claritin and now I know why.