Are over-the-counter cold remedies safe for people who have high blood pressure?Answer From Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D. Show
Over-the-counter cold remedies aren't off-limits if you have high blood pressure or take medication for high blood pressure, but it's important to make careful choices. Talk to your doctor before taking any OTC medications or supplements. Among over-the-counter cold remedies, decongestants cause the most concern for people who have high blood pressure. Decongestants relieve nasal stuffiness by narrowing blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nose. This narrowing can affect other blood vessels as well, which can increase blood pressure. To keep your blood pressure in check, avoid over-the-counter decongestants and multisymptom cold remedies that contain decongestants — such as pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, naphazoline and oxymetazoline. Also, check the label for high sodium content, which can also raise blood pressure. Instead:
Call your doctor if your signs and symptoms get worse instead of better or last more than 10 days. With Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To
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. Does Mucinex interfere with blood pressure medicine?Yes, it's fine for you to take Mucinex DM if you have high blood pressure. It contains two active ingredients: dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant.
What decongestant can I take with high blood pressure medicine?Phenylephrine. For those with high blood pressure, phenylephrine is an alternative to pseudoephedrine. They are in the same drug class known as nasal decongestants, which help relieve sinus congestion and pressure. You can buy products containing phenylephrine right off the shelf at the pharmacy.
Which Mucinex is good for someone with high blood pressure?Mucinex HBP Cold & Flu Liquid Gels, For People with High Blood Pressure or Diabetes, 16 CT.
What medications should not be taken with Mucinex?Common medications that may interact with Mucinex include:. antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or imipramine, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or selegiline.. caffeine.. diet medications such as phentermine.. other cough and cold remedies that may also contain guaifenesin.. |