Pseudoephedrine vs. Phenylephrine?

Pharmacists Leslie Hendeles and Randy Hatton of the University of Florida suggested in 2006 that oral phenylephrine is ineffective as a decongestant at the 10-mg dose used, arguing that the studies used for the regulatory approval of the drug in the United States in 1976 were inadequate to prove effectiveness at the 10-mg dose and safety at higher doses. Other pharmacists have expressed concerns over phenylephrine's effectiveness as a nasal decongestant, and other clinicians have indicated concern for regulatory actions that reduced the availability of pseudoephedrine.

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A subsequent meta-analysis by the same researchers concluded that there is insufficient evidence for its effectiveness, though another meta-analysis published shortly thereafter by researchers from GlaxoSmithKline found the standard 10 mg dose to be significantly more effective than a placebo.Additionally, two studies published in 2009 examined the effects of phenylephrine on symptoms of allergic rhinitis by exposing sufferers to pollen in a controlled, indoor environment. Neither study was able to distinguish between the effects of phenylephrine or a placebo. Pseudoephedrine and loratadine-montelukast therapy were found to be significantly more effective than both phenylephrine and placebo.

The Food and Drug Administration has stood by its 1976 approval of phenylephrine for nasal congestion as the debate continues.

So basically they changed to formulation of Pseudoephedrine to Phenylephrine because Phenylephrine can't be used in producing Methamphetamine. I personally think that Pseudoephedrine is a much better drug but it's limited depending on where you live in the country. In Utah everything that has Pseudoephedrine in it has to be purchased through the pharmacy and you can only get so much of it. This is to prevent to making of Methamphetamine which I think is ridiculous. I hope this answers your question! Good Luck!