Popular Nasal Drugs Don't Relieve Congestion: FDA

The leading decongestant used by millions of Americans seeking relief from a stuffy nose appears to be no more effective than a placebo, according to government experts who reviewed the latest research on the long-debated drug ingredient, Matthew Perrone reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The FDA convened its external advisors to reevaluate phenylephrine, which became the primary drug in over-the-counter decongestants after medications containing an older ingredient, pseudoephedrine, were moved behind pharmacy counters.

Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unanimously voted against the effectiveness of the key drug found in popular versions of medications like Sudafed and Dayquil, which are commonly available on store shelves.

Dr. Mark Dykewicz, an allergy specialist at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, stated, "Modern studies, when well conducted, are not showing any improvement in congestion with phenylephrine."

The FDA convened its external advisors to reevaluate phenylephrine, which became the primary drug in over-the-counter decongestants after medications containing an older ingredient, pseudoephedrine, were moved behind pharmacy counters.

This move was prompted by a 2006 law due to concerns that pseudoephedrine could be illegally processed into methamphetamine.

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