Are you taking DayQuil or Sudafed PE for a runny nose? It’s probably time to stop. An FDA panel recently declared that the decongestant in many over-the-counter oral cold medicines doesn’t work, reports the American Academy of Family Physicians.
The decongestant in many over-the-counter oral cold and allergy medicines that appears to be no more than a placebo is phenylephrine. It’s been around for many years now. And, you can find it in dozens of brand-name cold and allergy medicines you buy at the drugstore.
It took the FDA more than three decades to come out with a ruling. Experts have been calling for the FDA to make a finding about the lack of efficacy since at least 1992, reports Christina Jewett for The New York Times.
Sudafed PE, TheraFlu, Vicks NyQuil Sinex Nighttime Sinus Relief and Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion are just a few of the common oral cold remedies that include phenylephrine. Shockingly, phenylephrine is more popular than any other oral decongestant in the United States. It led to just under $2 billion in sales last year.
If phenylephrine worked, it would keep down the swelling in your nose. But, when you take it orally, most of it does not travel to your nose. So, it cannot end your congestion; your nose remains stuffy.
The FDA nows says that oral phenylephrine cannot be categorized as generally safe and effective since it is definitely not effective. As a result, manufacturers of decongestants with oral phenylephrine might have to pull their cold medicines that include it from store shelves. The FDA has not ruled on that yet.
Phenylephrine has side effects, including headaches, inability to sleep and agita. It can also sometimes increase blood pressure.
Note: Phenylephrine sprays do work because they travel directly to your nasal passages. Moreover, many of the products containing oral phenylephrine contain other products that can help with cold and allergy symptoms.
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