Why the F.D.A. Took So Long to Tackle a Disputed Cold Remedy

Pharmacists affiliated with the University of Florida have spent decades nudging the agency to pull a decongestant from over-the-counter medicines.

The proper method is to blow one nostril at a time and to take decongestants, said Dr. Anil Kumar Lalwani, chairman of the department of otolaryngologyat the New York University Langone Medical Center. This prevents a buildup of excess pressure.

otolaryngology

The branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. Also called otorhinolaryngology.