Best Allergy Medicine To Take With High Blood Pressure
Dealing with allergies can be a real struggle, but it gets even more challenging when you also have high blood pressure. You need to be careful about the medication you take for your allergies, as some of them can increase your blood pressure or interfere with your high blood pressure medication. That's why it's essential to choose the right allergy medicine that is safe to use with high blood pressure. In this article, we'll explore the best allergy medicine to take with high blood pressure, their benefits, and potential side effects.
Understanding Allergies and High Blood Pressure
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to substances such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or certain foods. The symptoms of allergies can range from mild to severe and can include sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. On the other hand, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. High blood pressure can lead to severe health problems such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure.
Many allergy medications contain decongestants, which can raise your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you need to avoid these medications or consult your doctor before taking them. Some allergy medications can also interact with your high blood pressure medication, leading to adverse side effects. Therefore, it's vital to choose an allergy medication that is safe to take with high blood pressure.
The Best Allergy Medicine to Take With High Blood Pressure
Antihistamines are the best allergy medicine to take with high blood pressure. Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, which are chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are available in different forms, including pills, liquids, and nasal sprays. Some of the best antihistamines to take with high blood pressure include:
1. Loratadine (Claritin)
Loratadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine that is safe to take with high blood pressure. It relieves allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Loratadine is available over-the-counter and comes in tablets, capsules, and syrup. The recommended dose is 10mg once a day.
2. Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Cetirizine is another non-drowsy antihistamine that is safe to take with high blood pressure. It relieves allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Cetirizine is available over-the-counter and comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and syrup. The recommended dose is 10mg once a day.
3. Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine that is safe to take with high blood pressure. It relieves allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Fexofenadine is available over-the-counter and comes in tablets and suspension. The recommended dose is 180mg once a day.
Potential Side Effects of Allergy Medication
Like any medication, allergy medication can cause side effects. The side effects of antihistamines are usually mild and include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and headache. However, some antihistamines can cause more severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. It's essential to consult your doctor before taking any allergy medication, especially if you have high blood pressure or other medical conditions.
Conclusion
If you have high blood pressure and suffer from allergies, it's crucial to choose the right allergy medication that is safe to take with high blood pressure. Antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine are safe to take with high blood pressure and provide relief from allergy symptoms. However, it's essential to consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have high blood pressure or other medical conditions. Always follow the recommended dosage and be aware of the potential side effects of allergy medication.