FDA Considers Removing Common Ingredient Found In Cold Medicines

Oral phenylephrine is used independently or with other ingredients to ease cold and flu symptoms.

The FDA is considering removing a common ingredient found in most oral over-the-counter cold medicines.

Oral phenylephrine is used independently or with other ingredients to ease cold and flu symptoms. It is found in products such as Tylenol, Mucinex and Dayquil.

The agency said after reviewing the available data found the ingredient is not as effective as a nasal decongestant when taken in liquid or pill form.

The FDA said the proposal was not based on safety concerns. That means oral drugs made with the ingredient can remain on shelves.

However, if the agency makes a final decision, the drugs must be removed from shelves.

The decision is open to public comments.