The common cold: The need for an effective treatment amid the FDA discussion on oral phenylephrine

Abstract

An episode of the common cold can have a significant negative impact on quality of life, mood, and daily activities. In line with this fact, there is a growing demand for health care and treatments associated with the common cold. Current treatments aim to (1) inhibit symptom severity and (2) shorten the duration of an episode of the common cold. These products include analgesics, antihistamines, and decongestants. In addition, various supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and herbs, are marketed to treat the common cold. The current products marketed for treating the common cold may reduce the severity of some (but not all) common cold symptoms, but they usually do not shorten the common cold episode. The recent indication that phenylephrine is not effective means that it will ultimately need to be removed from the over-the-counter monograph. Manufacturers will consequently need to reformulate their products and withdraw oral phenylephrine-containing products. Several newly developed common cold products are currently under investigation. These clinical trials should evaluate their efficacy and safety, as there remains a clear need for common cold products that significantly reduce both the symptom severity and the duration of episodes of the common cold.