CVS Health said yesterday it is to remove oral cough and cold products with phenylephrine as the only active ingredient from its shelves following growing concerns over the drug’s effectiveness.
Phenylephrine is widely used in decongestant products. Brands such as Benadryl and Tylenol are said to contain the drug.
The move stems from a US health update last month that found no evidence over-the-counter medicines containing the drug have any effect.
"Other oral cough and cold products will continue to be offered to meet consumer needs," CVS said.
US regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said it intends to ask for public opinion before making a decision about whether to remove phenylephrine from its list of allowed OTC ingredients.
Walgreens, another huge US chemist chain, also issued a statement Thursday saying that is currently following FDA regulations but monitoring the situation.