Cold season is upon us, so it’s a good time to update your medicine cabinet. When the sniffles hit, you want to be prepared with the right cold medications. That means making sure you have the most effective products to help you and your family feel better.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared one decongestant ingredient ineffective. That’s made finding the right cold treatment a little trickier. “You may need to take a little more time to read labels,” says Rena Daiza, M.D., a family medicine specialist at Henry Ford Health. “But the extra effort is worth it to make sure you’re getting something safe and effective.”
The News About Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is an ingredient that’s long been found in many over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines and decongestants. But in September 2023, an FDA committee declared that the ingredient (when taken by mouth in a pill) wasn’t effective. “They found growing evidence that it’s not actually effective at relieving congestion when taken by mouth,” says Dr. Daiza.
The FDA was quick to add that there are no safety issues with phenylephrine. So if you still have some in your medicine cabinet, don’t worry. The medication won’t harm you—it just may not clear up your stuffy head.
Some medications containing phenylephrine may still be on store shelves while companies work to reformulate products without it. “As we move into cold season, check the box or bottle before you buy anything,” says Dr. Daiza. “Even though oral medicines containing phenylephrine are still safe, you’re better off buying a decongestant that really works.”
What Types Of Nasal Decongestants Do Work?
There are still many cold medicines on the market that can help clear up your congestion. In fact, one of the most effective actually contains phenylephrine. “The FDA has only declared that pills containing phenylephrine are ineffective,” says Dr. Daiza. “But there are nasal sprays for congestion that contain phenylephrine, and those are still considered safe and effective.”
If you prefer to take a decongestant in pill form, Dr. Daiza recommends looking for ones that contain pseudoephedrine. “That active ingredient is still considered effective and is in many cold remedies,” she says.
For congestion related to allergies (instead of a cold), look for antihistamine ingredients. These may include loratadine (in Claritin®), cetirizine (in Zyrtec®) and diphenhydramine (in Benadryl®).
Other Cold Remedies To Try
If all the debate about which ingredients actually work has made you want to skip OTC decongestants, there are non-drug alternatives. “Most cold symptoms are caused by a virus, so medication and other remedies can only help ease the symptoms,” says Dr. Daiza. “To recover faster, and help prevent future colds, you need to take good care of yourself and your overall health.”
To help you feel better while you ride out a cold, Dr. Daiza suggests at-home remedies such as:
- Getting lots of rest: Rest is essential to help your body heal and to help keep your immune system working at its best.
- Nasal saline spray: Saline sprays are non-medicated. They can help relieve some congestion and thin out thick mucus so it can drain more easily.
- Neti pot: You can use a neti pot in the shower to help rinse your sinuses. This clears out mucus and can leave you feeling less congested.
- Staying well-hydrated: Colds can leave you feeling dehydrated. So be sure to drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Using a humidifier: Dry air can irritate nasal passages and make congestion worse. Sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom adds moisture to the air, which can help improve congestion.
Reviewed by Dr. Rena Daiza, a family medicine physician who sees patients at Henry Ford Health Medical Center in Bloomfield Township.
