Feeling Stuffy and Ready to Reach for Cold Medicine? Think Again
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed ending the use of oral phenylephrine, a common ingredient found in many cold and allergy medicines. Florida researchers have been studying the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine for two decades and have concluded that medications with this ingredient work no better than placebo pills in patients with cold and allergy congestion.
What’s the Alternative?
Dr. Randy Hatton, a University of Florida College of Pharmacy professor, recommends nasal sprays with phenylephrine as an option. However, he advises using them for only three to five days, as prolonged use can lead to rebound congestion. Other options include:
- Intranasal steroids like Flonase and Nasonex, or over-the-counter nasal sprays with oxymetazoline such as Afrin and Zicam
- Saline irrigation devices, like a neti pot, that help wash sinuses out
- Nasal saline sprays, like Sinex or Simply Saline, which use a saltwater solution to irrigate sinuses
- Products with pseudoephedrine, the ingredient in Sudafed, which can be found behind the pharmacy counter
- Oral antihistamines like Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin, which clear nasal congestion associated with allergies
Non-Medication Options
For those seeking non-medication options, Dr. Hatton suggests trying:
- Spicy foods, which can create a burning sensation from a chemical called capsaicin, causing a runny nose that drains mucus from sinuses
- Steam from a hot shower or a warm compress placed over the nose
- Humidifiers
New Treatment Options
New Treatment Available in South Florida for Stroke Survivors
Neurosurgeons at The Florida BrainLink Initiative in Delray Beach are using a new, noninvasive treatment to improve recovery for post-stroke patients. Through brain-mapping technology, neurosurgeons pinpoint damaged pathways within the brain and then use magnetic pulses to stimulate the nerve cells.
Higher Level of Care for Preemies in West Broward
Broward Health Coral Springs has recently been designated a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which means it is equipped to care for preterm infants born before 30 weeks or who weigh less than 3.3 pounds at birth.
A New Women’s Imaging Center
The Palm Beach Health Network has debuted a Palm Court Women’s Imaging Center in Delray Beach. The center offers advanced breast imaging services, including 3D digital and diagnostic mammography, breast MRI and ultrasound, on-site radiologists, and advanced stereotactic, ultrasound, and MRI-guided breast biopsies.
Early Cancer Detection Technology for Women with Dense Breast Tissue Coming to Boca Raton
MICA AI, a leader in early breast cancer detection, has partnered with Baptist Health South Florida to improve the evaluation of mammograms for women with dense breast tissue.
Weston Researchers Recruiting for Epilepsy Clinical Trial
Encore Medical Research of Weston is recruiting patients for a clinical trial to study an investigational oral therapy for epilepsy called BHV-7000.
Conclusion
The FDA’s proposed ban on oral phenylephrine highlights the importance of evidence-based medicine and the need for healthcare professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest research. As new treatment options emerge, it is crucial to prioritize patient safety and effectiveness.
FAQs
Q: What is oral phenylephrine?
A: Oral phenylephrine is a common ingredient found in many cold and allergy medicines.
Q: Why is the FDA proposing to ban oral phenylephrine?
A: The FDA has concluded that medications with oral phenylephrine work no better than placebo pills in patients with cold and allergy congestion.
Q: What are some alternative options for cold and allergy relief?
A: Some alternative options include nasal sprays with phenylephrine, intranasal steroids, saline irrigation devices, and products with pseudoephedrine.
Q: What is the new treatment option for stroke survivors?
A: The new treatment option is a noninvasive treatment that uses brain-mapping technology and magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells.
Q: What is the new women’s imaging center in Delray Beach?
A: The Palm Court Women’s Imaging Center offers advanced breast imaging services, including 3D digital and diagnostic mammography, breast MRI and ultrasound, on-site radiologists, and advanced stereotactic, ultrasound, and MRI-guided breast biopsies.
Q: What is the early cancer detection technology coming to Boca Raton?
A: MICA AI’s technology uses an AI decision-support system to diagnose suspicious findings in dense breast mammograms and enhance mammogram images that are difficult to read due to dense breast tissue.
