Cough Medicine Safe To Take With High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, you may be concerned about taking cough medicine. Many cough medicines contain ingredients that can raise blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with hypertension. However, there are some cough medicines that are safe to take if you have high blood pressure. In this article, we will discuss the types of cough medicine that are safe for people with hypertension and how they work.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high. This can cause damage to your blood vessels, heart, and other organs if left untreated. High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms, but can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
Why is cough medicine a concern for people with high blood pressure?
Many over-the-counter cough medicines contain decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, which can raise blood pressure. These ingredients work by constricting blood vessels in your nose and sinuses, which can also constrict blood vessels throughout your body. This can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can be dangerous for people with hypertension.
What types of cough medicine are safe for people with high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, it is important to choose a cough medicine that does not contain decongestants. Look for cough medicines that contain only expectorants, such as guaifenesin, or antitussives, such as dextromethorphan. These ingredients work by thinning mucus or suppressing cough reflexes, respectively, without affecting blood pressure.
What are some examples of cough medicine that are safe for people with high blood pressure?
Some examples of cough medicine that are safe for people with high blood pressure include:
- Robitussin DM
- Mucinex DM
- Delsym
- Benadryl
- Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold
It is important to read the label of any cough medicine before taking it, and to check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about its safety for people with high blood pressure.
What are some other ways to manage a cough when you have high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure and need to manage a cough, there are some other things you can do besides taking cough medicine. Some tips to help soothe a cough include:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use a humidifier or take a steamy shower
- Suck on cough drops or hard candy
- Get plenty of rest
- Avoid irritants such as smoke or allergens
It is also important to manage your high blood pressure through lifestyle changes and/or medication as prescribed by your doctor. This can help lower your risk for complications from hypertension and improve your overall health.
Conclusion
If you have high blood pressure, it is important to choose a cough medicine that does not contain decongestants. Look for cough medicines that contain only expectorants or antitussives. Some examples of cough medicine that are safe for people with high blood pressure include Robitussin DM, Mucinex DM, Delsym, Benadryl, and Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold. It is also important to manage your high blood pressure through lifestyle changes and/or medication as prescribed by your doctor.