Phenylephrine (much like 9-1-1) is a JOKE!

Yeah, that's right. I made a Public Enemy reference -- just go with it.

So, about 5 years ago, the government decided that there were SO MANY clandestine methamphetamine labs that it decided to limit the sale of pseudoephedrine.

BTW - it's actually easier to make methamphetamine from pseudoephedrine than from ephedrine (which is still available over the counter in many jurisdictions).

Now, when you get a tickle in your throat, you're faced with two choices:

1. Sit and wait 45 minutes to an hour while the pharmacist behind the counter fills prescriptions that are making him or her money, then get treated like a criminal because you're buying something that has the potential to make a controlled substance; or

2. buy a PE-based decongestant. Sounds easy enough, but consider the following:

http://news.ufl.edu/2006/07/19/decongensant/

a portion of which states:

"[Phenylephrine] becomes inactivated somewhere between the gut and the liver," Hendeles said. "More research needs to be done to determine whether higher doses can be effective and safe."

In 1976, the FDA deemed a 10 milligram oral dose of phenylephrine safe and effective at relieving congestion, making it possible for companies to use the ingredient without conducting studies.
Also, while your taking PE to try to relieve your stuffy nose, keep in mind that PE is also used as a means to increase blood pressure and a pupil dilator (similar to atopine, an ingredient found in Atropa belladonna - deadly nightshade).

PE is a joke; the name should be changed to placebephrine, because that's all it is.

So, next time you have to get better, really get better. Wait in that line and thumb your nose at the man and get yourself a box of high-test pseudoephedrine HCl. You'll be glad you did.