It will also discuss safer options for people with high blood pressure.
Many of them combine decongestants, cough suppressants, and pain relievers (which also reduce fever).
Although these ingredients can help you feel better, they might make heart disease and high blood pressure worse.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
If you have high blood pressure, you should always talk to your healthcare provider before using OTC medications.
There are two common ingredients that you should be particularly mindful of.
Decongestants
Decongestants work bycausing blood vessels to shrink.
This helps treat congestion, which happens when blood vessels in the nose become swollen.
Unfortunately, decongestants can also raise blood pressure.
If you are not sure which cold medicine is right for you, talk to your healthcare provider.
Are Topical Decongestants Safe With High Blood Pressure?
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDsare common OTC pain relievers and fever reducers.
Aleve (naproxen) andAdvil and Motrin (ibuprofen)are all NSAIDs.
However, it may take some extra work.
What Cold Medications Are Safe to Take With High Blood Pressure?
There are safe alternatives to cold medicine for people with high blood pressure.
Talk with your healthcare provider about what will work best for you.
These medications typically have “HBP” explicitly written on the box.
Common ingredients in cold medicines, including decongestants and NSAID pain relievers, can increase blood pressure.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.High blood pressure facts.
American Heart Association.Taking medicine for a cold?
Be mindful of your heart.
Michigan Medicine.Why high blood pressure and cold meds don’t mix.
Gowacka K, Wiela-Hojenska A.Pseudoephedrinebenefits and risks.Int J Mol Sci.
2017;38(44):3282-3292. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehx508
Harvard Health Publishing.High blood pressure?
Certain drugs may compound the problem.
YaleMedicine.NSAIDs vs. acetaminophen: Which over-the-counter medicine should I use?
Harvard Health.Ask the doctor: Can allergies cause high blood pressure?
