Cough And Cold Medicine Safe For High Blood Pressure
Cold and coughs are common ailments that can be easily treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. However, if you suffer from high blood pressure, you need to be careful with the medicine you take. Some cough and cold medicines can raise your blood pressure or interact with your medication, which can be dangerous. In this article, we'll explore the different types of cough and cold medicines that are safe for people with high blood pressure.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of your blood against your artery walls is too high. This can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Some of the factors that can contribute to high blood pressure include:
- Age
- Family history
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Stress
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of physical activity
If you have high blood pressure, it's important to manage it with lifestyle changes and medication. Your doctor will prescribe medication that can help lower your blood pressure, but you need to be careful with other medications you take, including cough and cold medicines.
Cough and Cold Medicines to Avoid
There are certain types of cough and cold medicines that can raise your blood pressure or interact with your medication. These include:
- Decongestants: These are medications that help relieve nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in your nasal passages. However, they can also narrow the blood vessels in the rest of your body, which can raise your blood pressure. Decongestants to avoid include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
- NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are pain relievers that can also reduce fever. However, they can interfere with your blood pressure medication and increase your risk of kidney damage. NSAIDs to avoid include ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Cough Suppressants: These are medications that help relieve coughs by suppressing the cough reflex. However, some cough suppressants contain codeine, which can slow down your breathing and lower your blood pressure. Codeine can also interact with some blood pressure medications, so it's best to avoid it.
Cough and Cold Medicines That Are Safe
Fortunately, there are many cough and cold medicines that are safe for people with high blood pressure. These include:
- Antihistamines: These are medications that help relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. They can also help relieve symptoms of a cold, such as a runny nose. Antihistamines to consider include loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine.
- Guaifenesin: This is a medication that helps relieve chest congestion by thinning mucus in your airways. It does not affect your blood pressure and is safe to take with blood pressure medication.
- Saline Nasal Sprays: These are sprays that help moisturize your nasal passages and relieve congestion. They do not affect your blood pressure and can be used as often as needed.
Precautions to Take
Even if you're taking safe cough and cold medicines, it's important to take some precautions to avoid any potential side effects. Here are some tips:
- Read the label: Always read the label of any medication you take, including cough and cold medicines. Look for any warnings or precautions related to high blood pressure.
- Check with your doctor: If you're not sure if a medication is safe for you to take, check with your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on the best course of action.
- Monitor your blood pressure: If you're taking a new medication, monitor your blood pressure regularly to make sure it's not affecting your readings.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can interact with some cough and cold medicines and raise your blood pressure. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking medication.
Conclusion
If you have high blood pressure, it's important to be careful with the cough and cold medicines you take. Avoid decongestants, NSAIDs, and cough suppressants that can raise your blood pressure or interact with your medication. Instead, opt for safe medications such as antihistamines, guaifenesin, and saline nasal sprays. Always read the label of any medication you take, and check with your doctor if you're not sure if it's safe for you to take. By taking these precautions, you can safely manage your cough or cold without compromising your blood pressure.