FDA Declares Popular Decongestant USELESS

If you’ve ever turned to over-the-counter (OTC) cold meds for relief from a stuffy nose, well this news may surprise you…

The FDA is proposing a ban on oral phenylephrine, the ingredient in many popular decongestants.

Why?

Because it doesn’t work.

Despite being the main decongestant ingredient in OTC brands like Sudafed PE, Tylenol Cold & Flu, and NyQuil, phenylephrine has repeatedly been shown to be ineffective at clearing nasal passages when taken orally.

According to the FDA and independent studies, this ingredient is no better than a placebo. In other words, it might as well be a sugar pill for all the good it does for congestion.

This proposed ban could reshape the $1.76 billion OTC decongestant market.

The FDA initially approved phenylephrine as a safe and effective decongestant back in the 1970s, relying on industry-backed studies. But in the years since, independent research has questioned these findings.

By the mid-2000s, multiple studies revealed that phenylephrine doesn’t reach nasal passages effectively when taken in pill form. Most of it is broken down in the gut before it has a chance to work.

It wasn’t always this way. Before 2006, pseudoephedrine was the active ingredient in most OTC decongestants. However, due to its misuse in methamphetamine production, lawmakers restricted access, pushing pseudoephedrine behind the pharmacy counter and limiting sales.

In response, manufacturers reformulated their products with phenylephrine—a decision that might have helped pharmacy shelves but didn’t do much for our sinuses.

Now, after nearly two decades of mounting evidence and multiple petitions, the FDA is moving to ban phenylephrine from OTC decongestants.

With phenylephrine soon to be off the table, let’s explore some options that provide real relief. Fortunately, there are several effective and natural alternatives—many of which are natural.

• Nasal Sprays with Phenylephrine or Saline: Unlike oral tablets, nasal sprays with phenylephrine actually deliver relief by reaching the nasal passages directly. These sprays work well for short-term congestion but shouldn’t be used for more than three days at a time to avoid rebound congestion. A simple saline spray can also flush out allergens and soothe inflamed nasal tissues, providing gentle, ongoing relief without side effects.
• Steam Inhalation: Steam inhalation is a tried-and-true remedy for congestion. Simply boil water, pour it into a bowl, and lean over with a towel covering your head, breathing in the steam. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil can enhance the effect, as these oils have mild decongestant properties. The steam loosens mucus, making it easier to breathe.
• Herbal Teas and Hot Drinks: Warm, soothing herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, or chamomile can help thin mucus and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and peppermint contains menthol, which provides a cooling effect that may help open up airways. A hot cup of tea can also keep you hydrated, which is essential for staying well during cold season.

And for those looking for natural supplements to aid in congestion relief, here are a few options worth considering:

• Quercetin: Quercetin is a natural plant compound found in foods like apples, onions, and green tea. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, quercetin can help reduce nasal congestion and ease sinus pressure. It works best when taken as a supplement during allergy or cold season.
• Bromelain: Found in pineapple, bromelain is a natural enzyme that helps reduce swelling, especially in the sinuses. It’s often recommended as a supplement for sinusitis and nasal congestion and works well in combination with quercetin for even more potent anti-inflammatory effects.
• N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): NAC is a powerful antioxidant that helps break down mucus, making it easier to expel from the respiratory system. It’s particularly effective for people dealing with thick, stubborn mucus that won’t seem to budge. Regular use of NAC can help keep mucus levels manageable, reducing the feeling of congestion.

With phenylephrine likely on its way out, it’s a good time to reconsider how we approach congestion relief. Natural methods offer genuine alternatives to over-the-counter products that may not be doing much for us.

Next time a stuffy nose hits, consider reaching for one of these effective, natural remedies instead.

P.S. Load up on this winter immune booster NOW!

Source:

Castillo, J. L., Flores Valdés, J. R., Orellana, M. Met al., (2023). The Use and Efficacy of Oral Phenylephrine Versus Placebo Treating Nasal Congestion Over the Years on Adults: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 15(11), e49074.