The FDA has proposed removing oral phenylephrine, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, due to its ineffectiveness as a nasal decongestant. This decision follows extensive reviews and a unanimous advisory committee recommendation in 2023, which found that oral phenylephrine does not effectively relieve congestion. Despite being safe, the drug's efficacy has been questioned since its rise in popularity after pseudoephedrine was restricted in 2006. The FDA's proposal initiates a six-month public comment period, after which manufacturers may need to reformulate or discontinue products containing this ingredient. Major retailers like CVS have already begun pulling products featuring phenylephrine, and the FDA's focus is solely on oral formulations, not nasal sprays. Consumers are advised to consult healthcare professionals for alternative congestion treatments.