Now that CVS has pulled Sudafed, Benadryl, Mucinex and other popular over-the-counter decongestants off the shelves, consumers are left wondering what options are still available.
The CVS action comes after advisers to the Food and Drug Administration declared that phenylephrine, the active ingredient in most oral decongestants, is basically worthless at relieving stuffy noses and sinuses.
Scientists say very little phenylephrine actually reaches the nose to relieve congestion. This conclusion was drawn from five studies conducted over the past two decades.
Phenylephrine has been used in many brand-name OTC drug formulations, including:
- Sudafed PE
- Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold & Flu Formula
- Mucinex
- Robitussin Peak Cold Nighttime Nasal Relief
- Sinex
- DayQuil
- Benadryl
- Tylenol Sinus
- Advil Sinus Congestion
- Lusonal
- Many store brands such as Equate, Walgreens, CVS, etc.
For people who suffer from allergies, colds or the flu, here’s a look at alternatives for people seeking much-needed relief:
Nasal sprays
Although the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine is under fire, nasal sprays with phenylephrine is still thought to provide temporary relief from congestion because it reaches the nasal passages more effectively.
Nasal sprays with phenylephrine may be sold as:
There are other medicated nasal spray options as well. Some doctors recommend using a corticosteroid nasal spray like Flonase or oxymetazoline nasal spray like Afrin and Zicam.
Experts warn, however, that decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for longer than three days at a time. Prolonged use can lead to so-called rebound congestion.
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine — which was moved behind the pharmacy counter in 2006 to deter methamphetamine production — is still a great option for congestion relief.
The drug can be found in the following formulations:
Pseudoephedrine can only be purchased in limited quantities from behind the counter. Buyers must present a government-issued ID and sign a logbook that can be checked by law enforcement.
Antihistamines
Many medical professionals recommend oral antihistamines like Zyrtec, Allegra and Claritin to treat seasonal allergies.
These drugs reduce or stop the effects of a chemical produced by the body during an allergic reaction.
“These medications actually treat the underlying inflammation in addition to providing relief,” Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Associates of Murray Hill in NYC, told NBC News.
Steam
Medical experts also suggest that steam can help clogged sinuses — whether it comes from a long, hot shower or the comforting chicken noodle soup mom whips up to make you feel better.
“If you’re gonna smell something, why not some nice noodles and some chicken? … The steam going up your nose is gonna be wonderful,” board-certified pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine physician Dr. Raj Dasgupta, chief medical adviser at Sleep Advisor, told ABC News.
“That’s one you could do like just really briefly like maybe in the morning or when you get home from work,” he added.
Rest and relaxation
A good night’s sleep or a cozy cuddle on the couch is almost always a good way to fight off cold or allergy symptoms.
“I think that when you’re feeling sick, it’s always a good time to re-address some of those sleep hygiene things,” Dasgupta said.
He recommends putting technology away before bed and making sure your sleep quarters are cool and dark — and if congestion is a problem, sleeping with the head of the bed elevated or sleeping on pillows can help.
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