The Two Scientists Taking Down Cold Medicines That Don't Work

This podcast episode examines the history, properties, and efforts to expose the ineffectiveness of oral phenylephrine, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold medicines. The switch from pseudoephedrine to phenylephrine was driven by concerns about methamphetamine production, but research has shown that oral phenylephrine is no more effective than a placebo. Two individuals persistently advocated for the FDA review, leading to a conclusion of ineffectiveness and the removal of products containing oral phenylephrine from CVS stores.