Ban Lemsip because 'it doesn't work', say experts after US health chiefs propose pulling cold and flu remedies from chemist shelves

Dozens of popular cold and flu remedies should be pulled from Britain's shelves because they don't work, experts urged today. Brands like Sudafed, Lemsip and Beechams all sell drugs taken orally that contain phenylephrine in Britain for close to £5 Yesterday, US health officials proposed getting rid of oral drugs containing phenylephrine completely over concerns they are 'not effective' decongestants. But, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which polices the safety of drugs used in Britain, today confirmed it was not assessing the ingredient, given 'no new safety concerns have been identified'. Manufacturers claim phenylephrine eases nasal congestion by reducing swelling of the tiny blood vessels that sit inside the nostrils, making more space for air to pass through The concern is specific to oral formulations of phenylephrine rather than nasal sprays containing the ingredient, which cost around £5 Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer told MailOnline: 'Patient safety is our top priority. But, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which polices the safety of drugs used in Britain, today confirmed it was not assessing the ingredient, given 'no new safety concerns have been identified' 'These products form part of a well-established cough, cold and flu offering within the UK.