FDA says common over the counter decongestant phenylephrine does not work in oral form

dantheclamman@lemmy.world to News@lemmy.world – 374 points –
FDA panel says common over-the-counter decongestant doesn’t work
nbcnews.com
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I think allergy suffers already have known this for years... The stuff that works is locked up because it can be used to make meth...

Yes, it's pseudoephedrine that you want. Somewhat ironic that Sudafed got its brandname from it, but you can't easily get the original version anymore.

Edited: corrected for availibility of the Sudafed - thanks Blue and Cubby.

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A frustrating outcome. I used to buy 14 day packs of allergy meds and sometimes didn’t qualify to buy more two or even four days after I ran out. I don’t know what aspect of their restrictions allow this to happen, but it’s bullshit. Also, good luck if you’re going overseas for a month and need a full supply. I believe a doc can prescribe a larger supply, but I shouldn’t have to pay more money and time for a doc appointment to get that.

One thing I've realized about US healthcare is that it would rather restrict meds from those that need them than to give access to those that would abuse it.

That's definitely what they've done with opioids. You could have your bone sticking out of your arm and they'd call you a drug addict for being surprised when they give you a motrin.

Any backyard chemsit can make meth if they are skilled enough

Nile Red likely has the capability of doing that

Nile Red is more than a backyard chemist lol he has a lab

Probably in the minority here but I didn't know that Benadryl straight up doesn't work as a decongestant. It knocks me the fuck out though, so I wonder if it's effective at making you drowsy as shit and not much else.

The person you replied to was talking about pseudoephedrine, which is marketed as a decongestant. And boy does it get the job done.

Benedryl (diphenhydramine), on the other hand, is an anti-histimine and it absolutely works for allergic reactions. That said, it's also marketed as a sleep aid (take a look at the active chemical in things like "ZZZQuil" or drug store brand "sleep aid," and compare it to the one in Benedryl. Same chemical), and believe me, it works very well for that.

I dunno if I would use it as a decongestant.

Yep I mixed up the ingredients lists. I don't know if I've ever even tried sudafed PE.

Benadryl is one of the stronger sedatives, prescription or not, if I recall correctly (CPhT, lapsed)

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