FDA Says Popular , Nasal Decongestant , Not Effective Treatment For Congestion.br Associated Press reports that government experts br found that the number one decongestant in br the United States does not alleviate a stuffy nose. .br Associated Press reports that government experts br found that the number one decongestant in br the United States does not alleviate a stuffy nose. .br On September 12, advisers for the Food and br Drug Administration voted unanimously br against the effectiveness of phenylephrine.br Phenylephrine is found in a number br of popular over-the-counter products, br including Sudafed, Allegra and Dayquil.br Modern studies, br when well conducted, br are not showing any improvement br in congestion with phenylephrine, Dr. Mark Dykewicz, Allergy specialist at the Saint Louis br University School of Medicine, via Associated Press.br AP reports that a team of outside advisers br were assembled by the FDA to take a closer br look at the effectiveness of phenylephrine.br Phenylephrine became the key ingredient in decongestants in 2006, when pseudoephedrine br was ordered to be moved behind pharmacy counters.br Phenylephrine became the key ingredient in decongestants in 2006, when pseudoephedrine br was ordered to be moved behind pharmacy counters.br The change came after a 2006 law called br for the change, as pseudoephedrine can br be used to produce methamphetamine. .br The change came after a 2006 law called br for the change, as pseudoephedrine can br be used to produce methamphetamine. .br AP reports that pending the FDA's decision, br drugmakers like Johnson & Johnson and Bayer could br be ordered to pull oral medications with phenylephrine. .br AP reports that pending the FDA's decision, br drugmakers like Johnson & Johnson and Bayer could br be ordered to pull oral medications with phenylephrine. .br According to the FDA's panel of experts, br consumers would need to be educated on br remaining options for treating congestion.