Doctors and Experts Raise Concerns Over the Effectiveness of Common Cold Remedies
When it comes to treating the common cold, the drugstore aisle can be overwhelming. With numerous products promising relief from symptoms like sinus pressure, sniffles, and coughs, it’s easy to believe that there’s a magic pill for it all. However, doctors and experts caution that the science behind many of these claims is lacking. Antihistamines, decongestants, cough medicines, and other over-the-counter remedies have little evidence to support their effectiveness in improving common cold symptoms. The recent findings that oral phenylephrine, found in some popular cold medications, is not effective, has raised concerns about the efficacy of other ingredients as well.
Lackluster Science and Regulatory Challenges
The lack of effective treatments for the common cold can be attributed to several factors. Many of the ingredients found in cold and flu medications were grandfathered in over 50 years ago when the scientific standards for drug approval were not as rigorous as they are today. Companies have been able to create new products using these ingredients without testing their effectiveness. The regulatory process for updating or changing a drug’s approval status has also been slow and burdensome. However, recent reforms aim to streamline requirements and provide the FDA with the authority and resources to review and remove ineffective drugs from the market.
Questions About Other Cold and Flu Ingredients
Experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of other common cold and flu ingredients, including cough suppressants and expectorants. The FDA’s recent review of oral phenylephrine is seen as a test case for the agency’s ability to address these concerns. Many over-the-counter products marketed for respiratory symptoms may not have sufficient evidence to support their claims. A compilation of data presented in a 2018 paper suggests that the claims on these products are often overblown, and the existing evidence for decongestants, expectorants, and cough suppressants does not justify their use.
The Need for Evidence-Based Recommendations
Doctors and experts emphasize the importance of evidence-based recommendations when it comes to treating the common cold. While antihistamines, vitamins, and herbal remedies are deemed ineffective, nasal sprays and analgesics like Tylenol and ibuprofen may provide relief. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and nasal sprays to clear the nose are recommended as products with the best evidence. However, the FDA has not clarified whether it plans to review other cold and flu medications. Industry groups argue that the current review process ensures the safety and effectiveness of these medications and that decreased availability would burden consumers and the healthcare system.
Natural Remedies and the Placebo Effect
In addition to over-the-counter medications, doctors suggest a few natural remedies for common cold symptoms. Saline nasal rinses can help clear the sinuses, and honey can soothe a cough. Steamy showers and humidifiers can also help open nasal passages. However, doctors caution that the common cold often needs to run its course, and instant relief is not always possible. The placebo effect may play a role in providing relief, and if a particular product has been helpful in the past, there is little harm in using it.
Conclusion:
Treating the common cold remains a challenge, with limited evidence to support the effectiveness of many over-the-counter remedies. The recent FDA review of oral phenylephrine highlights the need for greater scrutiny of cold and flu medications. While some ingredients may provide minimal or uncertain benefits, others, like nasal sprays and analgesics, may offer relief. Natural remedies and the placebo effect can also provide some comfort. Moving forward, evidence-based recommendations and a streamlined regulatory process will be crucial in ensuring that consumers have access to safe and effective treatments for the common cold.
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