What works for treating the common cold? Many doctors say 'not much'
One common decongestant, phenylephrine, was found ineffective this fall. Doctors are skeptical about the rest of the over-the-counter cold cures lineup.
phenylephrine
A popular nasal decongestant doesn't actually relieve congestion, FDA advisers say
The FDA asked advisers to take another look at phenylephrine, which became the main drug in over-the-counter decongestants when medicines with an older ingredient were moved behind pharmacy counters.