FDA Proposes Ban on a 'Useless' Decongestant, Phenylephrine

THURSDAY, Nov. 7, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- More than a year after its advisory panel unanimously declared the drug phenylephrine to be useless against nasal congestion, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is proposing that it be removed from common over-the-counter decongestants.

Products that include phenylephrine as an active ingredient include Sudafed PE, Vicks Sinex and Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion.

In fact, "it is important to note that some products only contain oral phenylephrine as a single, active ingredient," the FDA said in a statement released Thursday.