SG Talk

A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expert panel pointed out on the 12th that the common nasal congestion drug "phenylephrine" added to many cold medicines is actually ineffective and acts like a placebo. 

If people continue to take such drugs to treat nasal congestion , they will only Delay in receiving effective treatment. 

The New York Times pointed out that "phenylephrine" is added to as many as 250 cold medicines. 

If the FDA requires manufacturers to remove the products from the shelves and replace the ingredients, it may have an impact on the market.

"If you have nasal congestion, you will continue to have nasal congestion after taking this drug," said Leslie Hendeles, a pharmacist at the University of Florida.

The report pointed out that at least 250 cold medicines and other products in the United States contain "phenylephrine", with sales reaching US$1.8 billion (approximately NT$57.548 billion) last year. 

These pharmaceutical products include Sudafed Sinus Congestion, Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe, NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu, Theraflu Severe Cold Relief, Mucinex Sinus Max, etc.

https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/...0408?chdtv

FDA panel says common over-the-counter decongestant doesn’t work

During the two-day meeting, FDA scientists presented the results of five studies conducted over the past two decades on the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine. All the studies concluded that the decongestant was no more effective than a placebo.

The concern goes beyond ineffectiveness; phenylephrine can come with side effects such as headaches, insomnia and nervousness. At higher doses, it can increase blood pressure.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-ne...rcna104424