A Food and Drug Administration panel said phenylephrine, a commonly used decongestant, doesn't work.
Phenylephrine is found in dozens of over-the-counter cold medications to relieve sinus congestion.
Phenylephrine versions — sometimes labeled "PE" on the packaging — make up the rest.
Several other commonly purchased cold and congestion relief medications also contain phenylephrine, according to The Wall Street Journal.
This time, the 16 members of the FDA panel unanimously agreed that current evidence doesn't show a benefit for the drug.
Persons:
Phenylephrine, Allegra, Dayquil, Mark Dykewicz, Johnson, Jennifer Schwartzott, drugmakers
Organizations:
Drug Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, FDA, Bayer, Wall Street, Allergy, University of Florida, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, Congress