Are over-the-counter cold remedies safe for people who have high blood pressure?Answer From Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D. Show
Over-the-counter cold remedies aren't off-limits if you have high blood pressure or take medication for high blood pressure, but it's important to make careful choices. Talk to your doctor before taking any OTC medications or supplements. Among over-the-counter cold remedies, decongestants cause the most concern for people who have high blood pressure. Decongestants relieve nasal stuffiness by narrowing blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nose. This narrowing can affect other blood vessels as well, which can increase blood pressure. To keep your blood pressure in check, avoid over-the-counter decongestants and multisymptom cold remedies that contain decongestants — such as pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, naphazoline and oxymetazoline. Also, check the label for high sodium content, which can also raise blood pressure. Instead:
Call your doctor if your signs and symptoms get worse instead of better or last more than 10 days. With Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To
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. What kind of Tylenol can you take with high blood pressure?In general, people with high blood pressure should use acetaminophen or possibly aspirin for over-the-counter pain relief. Unless your health care provider has said it's OK, you should not use ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen sodium. If aspirin or acetaminophen doesn't help with your pain, call your doctor.
Does Tylenol interfere with blood pressure medication?Regular acetaminophen use increases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, with an effect similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. This rise in blood pressure is seen both in those taking and not taking antihypertensive therapy.
How much does Tylenol raise your blood pressure?While people were taking acetaminophen, their blood pressure rose by an average of 5 points, the researchers found. Experts have long known that other common pain relievers — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) — can also raise blood pressure.
What should you not take with blood pressure medicine?Some common types of OTC medicines you may need to avoid include:. Decongestants, such as those that contain pseudoephedrine.. Pain medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.. Cold and influenza medicines. ... . Some antacids and other stomach medicines. ... . Some natural health products.. |