Physicianscientist Archives

Walk down the cold and flu aisle in any drugstore and you’ll spot dozens of over-the-counter drugs that contain the decongestant phenylephrine, the ingredient that a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee on Tuesday said does not work.

Phenylephrine is found in a wide range of cold and flu medications, including Sudafed PE, Benadryl Allergy D Plus Sinus and Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu Relief.

Here’s what experts say are effective alternatives to relieve nasal congestion.

Pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine, the decongestant found in Sudafed, is highly effective in helping people with stuffy noses breathe more easily, said Dr. Maryann Amirshahi, a