What Can I Take for Congestion If I Have High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure can be affected by various medications, including common over-the-counter medicines used to treat congestion. Hypertension is often associated with blood vessel constriction, and decongestants constrict blood vessels and capillaries.

Safest Choices

Patients with high blood pressure can treat congestion safely with rest, fluids, over-the-counter pain relievers and humidification. Humidification means things such as breathing in the mist from a hot shower, draping a towel over a bowl of hot water and using a cold mist humidifier.

Other Types

Some other options include a saline nasal spray, nasal strips (Breathe Right) and Vick's Inhaler, which are considered safe for hypertensive patients. Decongestant nose drops however, are not generally considered safe for those with high blood pressure.

Types

Other medications that may be used, with a physician's approval include, regular Mucinex (not Mucinex-D) and dextromethorphen for coughs, and antihistamines such as Clarinex, Allegra and Zyrtec.

Warning

Any medication that is followed by "D" is typically a decongestant and most likely not considered safe for hypertensive patients.

Prevention/Solution

If you suffer from high blood pressure and have congestion, always speak to your doctor and or pharmacist for recommendations. Also, a patient should carefully monitor blood pressure while taking medications and realize that a patient with well-controlled blood pressure may experience fewer side effects.

References

• bjchealth.org: Cough and Cold
• USPharmacist.com: Decongestant Use in Hypertension