The FDA says oral phenylephrine, used in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, "is not effective as a nasal decongestant."

Summary

The FDA has proposed removing oral phenylephrine, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold medicines like NyQuil and Sudafed, due to evidence that it is ineffective as a nasal decongestant.

The proposal follows a unanimous vote by FDA advisers last year, and recent studies showing less than 1% of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally.

The public comment period ends on May 7, after which the FDA may finalize the ban.

  • BeMoreCareful@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    5 days ago

    If you want some real solid advice: never buy the nasal spray that has phenylephrine. It may well be one of the most addictive substances man has ever made.

    The pills do absolutely nothing. About once or twice a year I have to get the good stuff from the pharmacy, but I’ve refused to even buy the new stuff.

    I can’t help but feel like they could just put something in the regular Sudafed to make it not methy, but I took physics and not chemistry so idk.

    • Psythik@lemmy.world
      0·
      5 days ago

      What do I use then? I’m already addicted to Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and I need a way out. I’ve tried Propylhexedrine (Benzedrex) but it works for all of 30 seconds before I’m congested again. Even quitting cold turkey didn’t work. I went an entire year without any nasal spray, suffered through the rebound congestion for over a month and was in the clear for awhile… Until the congestion came back. I don’t know what to do.

      • BeMoreCareful@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        5 days ago

        I swear by this stuff and saline mist. You can use it as much as you want. It’s the miracle nobody is willing to try.

        The newer allergy medicine is good, but I think you have to take it for a couple of months before you really notice it. I like the generic Allegra from Costco.

        And get some real Sudafed from the pharmacy. I do the generic 12 hour and split them in half (helps you from feeling queasy).

        • OneWomanCreamTeam@sh.itjust.works
          1·
          4 days ago

          It’s a little weird the first couple times you do it, but holy shit is it the most effective way to deal with congestion for me, but a fucking long shot. For real, saline sinus rinse works like a fucking miracle

        • qjkxbmwvz@startrek.website
          1·
          5 days ago

          You can roll your own saline nasal rinse, but it takes a little care to get the salinity just right. And best to boil the water first in case of brain eating amoebas (seriously — not common, but very, very bad).