Q&A: Why are ineffective oral decongestants still on store shelves?

A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel concluded last week that the decongestant phenylephrine, contained in many over-the-counter cold remedies—including some formulations of popular brands like Sudafed, Tylenol, and Nyquil—is ineffective when taken orally. The finding potentially upsets a significant part of the over-the-counter market for cold and flu remedies as summer fades, and the cold and flu season approaches.