How can decongestants affect my blood pressure?

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  1. American Heart Association
     
    American Heart Association answered:
    If you have high blood pressure, you should know that using a decongestant could raise your blood pressure or interfere with the effectiveness of some prescribed blood pressure medications. Many over-the-counter cold and flu preparations contain decongestants such as:
    • ephedrine
    • levmetamfetamine
    • naphazoline
    • oxymetazoline
    • phenylephrine
    • phenylpropanolamine
    • propylhexedrine
    • pseudoephedrine
    • synephrine
    • tetrahydrozoline
    Be sure to check the sodium content, because some OTCs are high in sodium, which can also raise blood pressure. Look at the active and inactive ingredients lists for words like “sodium” or “soda.” Note the amount of sodium in the medication. People with high blood pressure should consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day from all sources; one dose of some OTCs can contain more than a whole day's allowance.
    More Related Answers from American Heart Association
    If you have high blood pressure, you should know that using a decongestant could raise your blood pressure or interfere with the effectiveness of some prescribed blood pressure medications. Many over-the-counter cold and flu preparations... More