Are cold medicines safe for those with high blood pressure?
For individuals managing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, choosing the right cold and flu medications is crucial to prevent potential complications. Certain medications can pose risks, such as increasing blood pressure or causing cardiovascular issues.
Safe Cold and Flu Medications for Hypertension:
When selecting cold and flu medications, it's essential to opt for decongestant-free formulations specifically labelled for high blood pressure. For instance, Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu Tablets and Equate Decongestant-Free Cold and Flu HBP Tablets are examples of such products. These medications do not contain vasoconstrictive ingredients and are considered safe for people managing hypertension[1][3][5].
Antihistamines, found in some cold medications (like Coricidin), can help relieve symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing without raising blood pressure, though they may cause drowsiness[2].
Avoiding decongestants altogether or choosing natural remedies and supportive care (hydration, rest) is often recommended.
Medications to Avoid with High Blood Pressure:
Cold and flu medications containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine should be avoided. These are common decongestant ingredients that work by narrowing blood vessels, which can increase systemic blood pressure and heart rate, posing a risk of hypertensive crisis, stroke, or heart attack in people with hypertension[1][2][4]. Over-the-counter remedies that include these agents can also interact adversely with blood pressure medications such as propranolol[4].
Summary Table:
| Medication Type | Safety for Hypertension | Notes | |------------------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Decongestants (Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine) | Avoid | Cause vasoconstriction and raise blood pressure risks | | Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu (no decongestants) | Safe | Formulated for people with high blood pressure; may cause drowsiness | | Equate Decongestant-Free HBP Cold & Flu | Safe | Specifically formulated for hypertension | | Antihistamines (in HBP-friendly products) | Generally safe | May cause drowsiness, but no significant BP impact |
Important Advice:
- Always check labels carefully to ensure no hidden decongestants are present. - Consult your healthcare provider before taking any cold or flu medication if you have high blood pressure. - Monitor your blood pressure closely if you must take any medication for cold or flu symptoms.
A 2017 study found that people with hypertension who took NSAIDs for an acute respiratory infection (ARI) were around three times more likely to have a heart attack[6]. Therefore, people with hypertension or heart disease should avoid using NSAIDs to treat cold symptoms. Using aspirin or acetaminophen to alleviate pain may be a suitable alternative.
In conclusion, individuals with high blood pressure should be cautious when selecting cold medications, opting for decongestant-free formulations and consulting their healthcare provider before making a decision. By taking these precautions, one can manage cold and flu symptoms while minimising risks related to blood pressure control.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Cold medicines. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold/in-depth/cold-medicines/art-20048274 [2] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). High Blood Pressure: Medications. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure#medications [3] Coricidin. (2021). Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu. Retrieved from https://www.coricidin.com/products/coricidin-hbp-cold-flu [4] American Heart Association. (2018). Cold and Flu Medications: What's Safe for Your Heart? Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/understanding-heart-attacks/cold-and-flu-medications-whats-safe-for-your-heart [5] Equate. (2021). Equate Decongestant-Free Cold & Flu HBP Tablets. Retrieved from https://www.equate.com/products/equate-decongestant-free-cold-flu-hbp-tablets [6] Zhou, F., Xu, J., Guo, W., Li, X., Tang, J., Gao, Y., ... & Li, N. (2017). Association between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and the risk of myocardial infarction in patients with acute respiratory infection: A nationwide population-based study. European Heart Journal, 38(31), 2488-2496.
- For some individuals with high blood pressure, choosing the right cold and flu remedies is crucial to prevent potential complications.
- Decongestant-free cold and flu medications specifically labeled for high blood pressure are essential for those managing hypertension.
- Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu Tablets and Equate Decongestant-Free Cold and Flu HBP Tablets are examples of such products.
- These medications do not contain vasoconstrictive ingredients and are considered safe for people with hypertension.
- Antihistamines, found in some cold medications, can help relieve symptoms without raising blood pressure, but may cause drowsiness.
- Avoiding decongestants altogether or choosing natural remedies and supportive care (hydration, rest) is often recommended.
- Cold and flu medications containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine should be avoided as they cause vasoconstriction and increase blood pressure risks.
- Over-the-counter remedies that include these agents can interact adversely with blood pressure medications such as propranolol.
- In a 2017 study, people with hypertension who took NSAIDs for an acute respiratory infection (ARI) were found to be around three times more likely to have a heart attack.
- As a result, people with hypertension or heart disease should avoid using NSAIDs to treat cold symptoms.
- Using aspirin or acetaminophen to alleviate pain may be a suitable alternative.
- It's essential to check labels carefully to ensure no hidden decongestants are present.
- Consulting a healthcare provider before taking any cold or flu medication is vital for those with high blood pressure.
- Monitoring blood pressure closely if one must take any medication for cold or flu symptoms is also recommended.
- Antihistamines found in HBP-friendly products are generally safe and may cause drowsiness but have no significant impact on blood pressure.
- People managing chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease, COPD, type-2 diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis should also exercise caution when choosing cold and flu medications.
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