from Hacker News

Popular nasal decongestant doesn’t relieve congestion, FDA advisers say

by mastry on 9/13/23, 2:09 AM with 5 comments

by ClassyJacket on 9/13/23, 2:35 AM
Phenylephrine is a straight up scam. It shouldn't be sold as a nasal decongestant anywhere. In Australia you practically have to undergo an interrogation to get pseudoephedrine, and if you fail the test (which has happened to me, because I said the word 'pseudoephedrine'), they direct you to phenylephrine instead - which does not work.
by ksaj on 9/13/23, 2:32 AM
Because of the photo and photo blurb, I thought they were going to say pseudoephedrine doesn't work! I was so very glad that it is actually the drug that some places (thankfully not where I live!) replace it with that doesn't work.
In my household, we use pseudoephedrine when our symptoms become unbearable, because it dries out the nasal passages so well that sometimes it's even a little painful. It is extremely effective.
Our stores don't hide it behind counters either, thankfully. But I'm sure if you wanted to buy 10 boxes of it, they'd be quite suspicious.
Our way of limiting the illicit use of the drug? Put fewer on the shelf, and restock regularly. Not enough to even bother stealing since you'd have to do it over and over again just to get high, and there's always some there when you actually need it for sinus symptoms.
by Khelavaster on 9/13/23, 3:14 AM
They need to clarify the pill doesn't work, because it's most certainly effective topically/by spray..