Flu Medicine For Adults With High Blood Pressure
Flu season is upon us again, and for adults with high blood pressure, finding the right flu medicine can be a challenge. Many over-the-counter medications can raise blood pressure, so it’s important to choose a product that won’t interfere with your hypertension medication. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best flu medicines for adults with high blood pressure.
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition in which the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. This can cause damage to your blood vessels and lead to serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and take medication as prescribed by your doctor. You should also make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
Why is it Important to Choose the Right Flu Medicine?
When you have high blood pressure, it’s important to choose the right flu medicine because many over-the-counter medications can raise your blood pressure. This can be dangerous if you’re already taking medication to control your hypertension.
Some common ingredients in flu medications that can raise blood pressure include:
- Decongestants
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Pseudoephedrine
- Ephedrine
- Phenylephrine
If you’re not sure whether a flu medication is safe for you to take, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Flu Medicines for Adults with High Blood Pressure
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)
Tamiflu, also known by its generic name oseltamivir, is an antiviral medication that can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. It’s available in both capsule and liquid form and is usually taken twice a day for five days.
Tamiflu is safe for most adults with high blood pressure, but you should talk to your doctor before taking it if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other medical conditions.
Fluzone High-Dose
Fluzone High-Dose is a flu vaccine designed specifically for adults aged 65 and older. It contains four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu vaccine, which can help provide better protection against the flu.
Fluzone High-Dose is safe for most adults with high blood pressure, but you should talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated if you’re allergic to eggs or have any other medical conditions.
Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom Cold
Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom Cold is a cough and cold medicine that’s safe for most adults with high blood pressure. It contains acetaminophen to relieve pain and fever, dextromethorphan to suppress coughs, and guaifenesin to loosen mucus.
Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom Cold is available in both liquid and capsule form.
Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu
Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu is a cold and flu medicine specifically designed for people with high blood pressure. It contains the active ingredients acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine, which are safe for people with hypertension.
Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu is available in both liquid and capsule form.
Conclusion
If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to choose the right flu medicine to avoid raising your blood pressure and interfering with your hypertension medication. Tamiflu, Fluzone High-Dose, Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom Cold, and Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu are all safe options for most adults with high blood pressure.
Remember to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication, especially if you have high blood pressure or other medical conditions.