Pseudoephedrine-containing versions of Sudafed, Claritin D and other products remain available without a prescription

The FDA recently announced plans to phase out the key ingredient in some cold and allergy pills. For consumers it will likely mean switching to alternatives, including nasal sprays or older oral decongestants.

For consumers, the change will likely mean switching to alternatives, including nasal sprays or older oral decongestants that were moved behind the pharmacy counter almost two decades ago.

U.S. officials are moving to phase out the leading decongestant found in hundreds of over-the-counter medicines, concluding that it doesn’t actually relieve nasal congestion.