Summary
The FDA has proposed phasing out oral phenylephrine, a common decongestant in cold medicines like Sudafed PE and DayQuil, after studies showed it is no more effective than a placebo.
The drug, ineffective when swallowed due to breakdown in the stomach, remains usable in nasal sprays.
Alternatives include pseudoephedrine, nasal sprays, and steroid treatments like Flonase.
The regulatory process to remove phenylephrine could take over a year, but experts argue removing ineffective options will help consumers choose better remedies for congestion. Drugmakers are expected to challenge the proposal.
F these soulless business associations:
For now, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association — which represents medicine makers — wants the products to stay available, saying Americans deserve “the option to choose the products they prefer for self-care.”
Hatton says he and his colleagues disagree: “Our position is that choosing from something that doesn’t work isn’t really a choice.”