Decongestants and High Blood Pressure

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Decongestants are one of the widely used medications in order to tackle the unpleasant symptoms of nasal congestion. These can be availed at health stores in the form of nasal sprays and oral pills. But what is to be known is that these over the counter drugs are not meant for one and all, especially for those who are suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. The following is a continuation of this description of decongestants and high blood pressure.

Decongestant for High Blood Pressure

People suffering from high blood pressure are always advised to read the labels on any over-the-counter medications before buying them. Having a blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg or greater, makes this fact even more important to follow. One of the severe side effects of decongestants is high blood pressure. To add to this, these drugs also have the capability to interfere with the hypertension medications. There are several medications for treating cold and flu which contain decongestants. Common examples include Ephedrine, Phenylephrine, and Phenylpropanolamine. Apart from these, decongestants and high blood pressure involves some more names such as Synephrine, Oxymetazoline and Levmetamfetamine. Tetrahydrozoline, Propylhexedrine and Naphazoline are some other medications which contain decongestants and must be avoided by patients having high blood pressure.

The reason why decongestants and high blood pressure do not go hand in hand is due to the fact that these drugs are known to constrict blood vessels, which in turn elevates blood pressure in the body. Also, decongestants tend to give a kick to heart rate, thereby increasing it. This is again, not an acceptable side effect for the condition of high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, prescribed decongestant drugs which can be taken for relieving nasal congestion, without affecting blood pressure levels, are Coriciden HBP(R), Chlor-Trimeton, Benadryl and Tavist-1.

Some More Information On Decongestant Side Effects

So this was it for a short discussion of decongestants and high blood pressure. Why not now, I give you some more details on some other decongestant side effects, apart from elevating blood pressure. These drugs tend to increases the stimuli of the body and this why they do not lack any side effects. We have discussed about high blood pressure, but now you will know that insomnia and nervousness can also be caused by these drugs. Side effects of mild nature include loss of appetite, restlessness, headache, nausea, visual disorders and disorders of the urinary system. Repercussions which may be severe are worsening condition of heart diseases, after taking decongestants. Another common side effect which is noticed is known as rebound congestion. Here, the topical form of decongestants tend to become less effective with time, when used for more than 3 - 5 days. So in order to get the same effect, people administer extra doses, which in turn, creates a dependency. And this factor aggravates the congestion. Ultimately, the side effects will start showing up in the form of a permanent damage to sinus membranes, nasal dryness, stuffiness and even regular nose bleeds.

Read more on:

* Natural Decongestants
* Reasons for High Blood Pressure
* Risks of High Blood Pressure Medication

To conclude this piece on decongestants and high blood pressure, an important point is that, any kind of OTC drug poses a threat to the health condition of a patient suffering from high blood pressure. Especially, medications which are targeted to treat illness such as cold and flu viruses or sinus, as these are common medications which contain decongestants. So, it is very essential that such patients consult their doctors about going for medications which can help them treat cold, flu, etc. This would help their physicians to prescribe them the right kind of medications which would, not only treat their complications but also prevent any further complications.