With the new FDA findings saying phenylephrine is ineffective in relieving nasal congestion, experts have opined that it does not mean that these medicines are not useful
Phenylephrine, a main element that is used for common cold and allergies medications (Photo credit: Pexels)
New Delhi: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently confirmed that phenylephrine, a main ingredient used in the cold medications and cough syrups are ineffective in relieving nasal congestion. The ingredient, phenylephrine is used in majority of the popular cold reliving drugs like Vicks Nyquil, Benadryl, and Sudafed.
Phenylephrine that earlier thought that it facilitates decongestion by reducing blood vessel swelling. However, the advisory panel concluded that it is ineffective. The main reason behind this finding is that after being consumed orally, only a minimal effect reaches the nose.
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What does this mean?
Dr Sumit Aggarwal, an Internal Medicine expert at Sarvodaya Hospital Research Centre explained that these new findings does not suggest that the cough syrups are ineffective. “The recent evidence indicates phenylephrine might be futile only for the nasal congestion. However, this does not mean that cough syrups or medications are not useful. The other contents present in these drugs are still effective and helps in relieving symptoms,” he added.
Focusing on the ingredient, phenylephrine is a trusted element that helps in common cold and flu. Till now, the expert said that they have been prescribing these drugs and have shown results.
Adding to this, Dr Suranjit Chatterjee , an Internal Medicine Physician at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, explained that phenylephrine is a symptomatic reliever. “FDA rightly said that this element does not result in nasal decongestion but used for chest decongestion. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier,” he said.
However, Dr Chatterjee warned that though it is safe and do not have major side effects, over-the-counter (OTC) use of such medications should be avoided. He also said that to prevent nasal congestion, nasal drops work the best.
FDA findings
The FDA analysed five different studies conducted in last 2 decades to reach this findings. The findings include:
- Phenylephrine is not anymore effective than a placebo.
- Phenylephrine showed inconsistent results.
- The data about the ingredient was not totally reliable.
- It did not match modern standards.
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The agency also pointed that the potential side effects a patient can undergo. These side effects include headaches, insomnia, nervousness and high blood pressure.
The upcoming step of the agency would be to decide whether the use of phenylephrine in the drugs and the designation of the element, which is usually recognised to be safe and effective, will be removed or not.
