Popular nasal decongestant phenylephrine doesn’t actually relieve congestion, FDA advisers say

The leading decongestant used by millions of Americans looking for relief from a stuffy nose is no better than a dummy pill, according to government experts who reviewed the latest research on the long-questioned drug ingredient.

Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously on Tuesday against the effectiveness of the key drug found in popular versions of Sudafed, Dayquil and other medications stocked on store shelves. The decongestant phenylephrine is also used in D Cold and other medicines used in Nepal and India.