Cough Medicine To Use With High Blood Pressure
Coughing is a common symptom that can occur due to various reasons such as allergies, flu, bronchitis or even a side effect of certain medications. However, if you have high blood pressure, finding the right cough medicine can be challenging. Many over-the-counter cough medicines contain ingredients that can raise your blood pressure or interfere with your blood pressure medication. In this article, we will discuss some of the best cough medicines that are safe to use with high blood pressure.
Types of Cough Medicines
Before we dive into the best cough medicines for high blood pressure, let's talk about the different types of cough medicines. There are two main types of cough medicines: expectorants and suppressants.
Expectorants help thin and loosen mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up. Guaifenesin is a common expectorant found in many cough medicines. On the other hand, cough suppressants work by blocking the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan is a common cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cough medicines.
Cough Medicines That Are Safe to Use With High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, it's important to choose a cough medicine that doesn't contain ingredients that can raise your blood pressure. Here are some of the best cough medicines that are safe to use with high blood pressure:
Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that can help loosen mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up. It's safe to use with high blood pressure and is found in many cough medicines such as Mucinex and Robitussin. However, it's important to follow the recommended dosage on the label and avoid using it for more than 7 days.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that can help relieve coughing. It's safe to use with high blood pressure and is found in many cough medicines such as NyQuil and Delsym. However, it's important to follow the recommended dosage on the label and avoid using it for more than 7 days.
Natural Remedies
If you prefer a more natural approach, there are several home remedies that can help relieve coughing. Honey is a natural cough suppressant that can help soothe your throat. Ginger tea, eucalyptus oil and steam inhalation can also help relieve coughing. However, it's important to talk to your doctor before trying any natural remedies, especially if you're taking medication for high blood pressure.
Cough Medicines to Avoid
When you have high blood pressure, it's important to avoid cough medicines that contain ingredients that can raise your blood pressure or interfere with your blood pressure medication. Here are some cough medicines to avoid:
- Cough medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed
- Cough medicines that contain phenylephrine, such as Sudafed PE
- Cough medicines that contain aspirin, such as Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold
These ingredients can increase your blood pressure or interfere with your blood pressure medication, which can be dangerous.
Conclusion
When you have high blood pressure, finding the right cough medicine can be challenging. However, there are several cough medicines that are safe to use with high blood pressure, such as guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. It's important to avoid cough medicines that contain ingredients that can raise your blood pressure or interfere with your blood pressure medication. If you're unsure about which cough medicine is safe to use, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
