FDA panel says cold meds don't work, just in time for winter

Oral phenylephrine has for years generated major revenues as an over-the-counter decongestant, but  a meeting of the US Food and Drug Administration’s scientific experts has thrown a wrench in the works.

After two days of discussion, following extensive submissions from sponsors, the panel of 16 advisors voted unanimously that the ingredient is no better than placebo.

There are hundreds of products which make use of phenylephrine for cold and flu symptoms, including Benadryl, Mucinex, Sudafed and Tylenol.