Pseudoephedrine vs. Phenylephrine: Finding the Right Nasal Congestion Medication
One of these works better than the other, and you’ll find it behind the pharmacy counter.
Research has found that oral nasal congestion products containing phenylephrine (such as Sudafed PE) weren’t as effective as ones containing pseudoephedrine. In this video, learn the difference between pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, according to Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx Health.
- Stacia Woodcock, PharmDStacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.
References
Johnson and Johnson Consumer Inc. (2024). Sudafed PE head congestion plus flu severe - acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine hydrochloride tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
Johnson and Johnson Consumer Inc. (2024). Sudafed sinus 12 hour pressure plus pain - naproxen sodium and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride tablet, multilayer, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
Middleton, J. (2023). FDA advisory panel rules that oral phenylephrine is ineffective. American Family Physician.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). FDA proposes ending use of oral phenylephrine as OTC monograph nasal decongestant active ingredient after extensive review.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Legal requirements for the sale and purchase of drug products containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine.