The issue
Decongestants can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications and narrow your blood vessels, which raises blood pressure. Cold and allergy medications — which often contain a combination of antihistamines and decongestants — can have the same effect. Taking these medications along with tricyclic antidepressants can compound the effect on your blood pressure.
Examples of ingredients in decongestants that can affect blood pressure :
· Oxymetazoline
· Phenylephrine
· Pseudoephedrine
What to do
If you have high blood pressure, it's best to avoid decongestants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter cold products specially formulated for people who have high blood pressure.
Because of life-threatening health concerns, the Food and Drug Administration has asked all drug companies to stop marketing products containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA). However, some products on the market may still contain PPA — including decongestants and over-the-counter weight-loss products — so be sure to read product labels carefully.
Provided by : MayoClinic.com
