The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed the removal of oral phenylephrine from over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant products after determining it is ineffective in relieving nasal congestion. This action comes after a thorough review of available clinical data and the unanimous recommendation of the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee.
According to Director Patrizia Cavazzoni of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), the FDA's role is to ensure that drugs are both safe and effective. "Based on our review of available data, and consistent with the advice of the advisory committee, we are taking this next step in the process to propose removing oral phenylephrine because it is not effective as a nasal decongestant," Cavazzoni stated.
Impact on Consumers and Market
While products containing oral phenylephrine are still currently available for sale, the proposed FDA change, if finalized, would lead to their removal from OTC drug shelves. It is important to note that this proposed change does not impact nasal spray formulations of phenylephrine, which have been shown to be effective for nasal congestion relief. The agency is currently accepting public comments before issuing a final order on the matter.
FDA's Stance
The FDA emphasizes that this action is not related to safety concerns but rather to the drug's lack of efficacy as a nasal decongestant when taken orally. Commissioner Robert Califf will oversee the FDA's actions, with the agency considering public input before making a final decision. The FDA continues to ensure that all drugs available to consumers meet established standards for both safety and effectiveness.
