Why Are Useless Decongestants Still on Shelves?

If you’ve ever reached for an over-the-counter decongestant in the past couple of decades, there’s a good chance it contained phenylephrine as its primary active ingredient. But here’s the catch: Phenylephrine doesn’t work any better than a placebo. So, why is it still available for sale? Vox’s Phil Edwards delves into this perplexing issue in a recent video, shedding light on the complex history behind the FDA’s regulation of over-the-counter medicines. This investigation highlights the need for a reevaluation of regulations governing over-the-counter drugs and underscores the importance of informed consumer choices in the realm of self-medication.