FDA Confirms A Popular Over-The-Counter Medicine Is Ineffective

Health experts say the ingredient Pseudoephedrine is an effective alternative, but it must be requested from a pharmacist.

The FDA has confirmed that a popular over-the-counter allergy and cold medicine is ineffective in tablet form.

Phenylephrine, a key ingredient in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, doesn’t actually work to get rid of nasal congestion.

The FDA says it has been monitoring the ingredient, found in drugs such as Sudafed PE and some versions of Benadryl and Vicks Sinex, since the agency last reviewed it in 2007.

When taken orally, the panel concluded a very small amount of the drug actually reaches the nose to relieve congestion.

The FDA will now need to decide whether to revoke its status as an over-the-counter medication.

Health experts say the ingredient Pseudoephedrine is an effective alternative, but it must be requested from a pharmacist.