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.
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...
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