Why oral phenylephrine in cold tablets doesn't work—and why it's still sold

Consumer protection angle: frames the continued sale of ineffective medication as a puzzling contradiction ('So why is phenylephrine still widely sold?'), implying potential corporate negligence or regulatory failure without directly stating it.

Consumers are purchasing ineffective products at full price, wasting household spending on cold remedies that don't deliver promised nasal decongestant benefits. This represents consumer deception and potential loss of confidence in OTC cold medicine category.

Regulatory bodies (TGA in Australia, FDA in US) face pressure to remove phenylephrine from oral formulations or mandate reformulation with effective alternatives. Manufacturers may need to reformulate products or face delisting. Potential for consumer litigation and class actions over false efficacy claims.