A cold or Tylenol cold and flu can make you feel numb and depressed. Although many flu and cold medications are available over-the-counter, not all are safe for high Blood Pressure.
There are many flu and cold remedies that treat multiple symptoms. However, some of these ingredients can increase blood pressure and make it unsafe for people who have already been diagnosed with this condition.
What are the most common symptoms of the flu and cold?
Common colds and flu are contagious respiratory illnesses. Although they share many symptoms, the viruses that cause them are different. While influenza viruses are the only cause of flu, there are many other viruses that can cause common cold.
It can be difficult to distinguish between the two conditions based on their symptoms alone. However, the symptoms of flu are generally milder than those of cold.
Fever and headaches are often common symptoms of flu, but they are rarer in the case of a cold. Flu symptoms include severe and more frequent body aches, fatigue and weakness.
Both illnesses can cause chest discomfort and coughing. However, cold sufferers almost always experience stuffy nose and runny nose. These symptoms are rare in flu patients.
Are you able to take flu and cold tablets along with blood pressure medication
Everyone can get the flu, as well as the complications that come with it, such as bacterial pneumonia, ear infections and sinus infections, and even death.
Some people are more susceptible to severe flu-related complications than others.
People with chronic conditions are also considered high-risk. Chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabet, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems can be worsened by the flu.
Your doctor will usually recommend fluids and rest to help with flu symptoms unless there is a serious infection or risk of complications. There is no cure for the flu and medications will not make it go away faster. Nevertheless, many people turn to them for relief until the illness passes.
There are many over-the-counter flu and cold medications2. Many of these multi-symptom products contain multiple drugs to treat the common cold and flu symptoms.
It is common for medications to contain a pain suppressant, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as a nasal stuffing decongestant.
It is important to manage your symptoms. However, it is equally important to be aware about the possible side effects and potential complications of any medication that you take. Some flu and cold remedies can be taken by high blood pressure. Others may not.
You should take your medication and be cautious if you have high blood sugar.
High blood pressure: What flu and cold medicine ingredients should I be careful about?
People who are already having trouble controlling their blood pressure can experience an increase in blood pressure from flu and cold medications. You should be careful not to take decongestants if you’re taking medication for high blood pressure.
To temporarily relieve a stuffy or blocked nose, many cold and flu remedies include a decongestant. Commonly, decongestants are used to relieve symptoms of congestion due to hay fever, allergic reaction, common cold, or influenza.
Decongestants pose a serious concern3 to people with high blood pressure due to the way they work. Decongestants reduce nasal stuffiness and cause blood vessels to constrict.
This reduces swelling in your nose and makes it easier to breathe. It can cause blood vessels to constrict in other areas of the body, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Avoid over-the-counter and multi-symptom flu and cold medications that contain decongestants to help maintain your blood pressure. Pseudephedrine and phenylephrine are the most commonly used decongestants.
Always choose the right flu and cold medication for you. Don’t take unnecessary medications just because they are in the formula.
You should also be aware that some over-the counter medications can have high sodium contents.4 In other words, aside from looking on the label for decongestants, it is important to check the sodium content of the product as this could also cause an increase in blood pressure.
What if I have high blood pressure and take Tylenol Cold & Flu?
According to the manufacturer’s ingredients, 5 Tylenol Cold & Flu products contain Phenylephrine. This is used as a nasal desensitizer. People with high blood pressure who are trying to control it should not take decongestants.
You should also consult your doctor before you take this product if high blood pressure is a concern.
Can NyQuil Cold and Flu be taken with high blood pressure?
Vicks manufactures several NyQuil Cold/flu products6, including one that is specifically designed for high blood pressure. Vicks NyQuil High blood Pressure Cold and Flu Medicine is marketed to people with high blood pressure as a product that can safely relieve flu and cold symptoms.
However, the active ingredients in NyQuil Cold & Flu7 and Vicks NyQuil Cold & Flu7, as well as Vicks NyQuil High blood Pressure Cold & Flu Medicine7, are identical.
NyQuil does not contain any decongestants. However, they do have cold and flu products that include an antihistamine called Doxylamine succinate as well as a cough suppressant called Dextromethorphan. Although cough suppressants don’t usually affect blood pressure, antihistamines can.
Combining medication to lower your blood pressure with antihistamines may cause your heart rate to drop and affect your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to consult your doctor before you take NyQuil Cold or Flu products.
Is Theraflu safe for high blood pressure patients?
Theraflu, another multi-symptom product that is well-known for relieving cold and flu symptoms, is also available.
Theraflu’s active components8 are similar to many over-the counter flu and cold remedies. They include a cough suppressant, acetaminophen, which reduces body aches, fever, and phenylephrine. If you have high blood pressure, avoid phenylephrine.
High blood pressure can make it difficult to find safe flu and cold medicines.
Multi-symptom, over-the-counter flu and cold medications can be convenient and effective in relieving various flu and cold symptoms. Because they contain multiple drugs, it is common to end up with a medication that treats a symptom that you don’t have.
High blood pressure can increase the risk of high blood pressure due to the active ingredients or interactions with blood pressure medication.
Choose a medication that is formulated for high blood pressure if you are going to take a cold or flu medicine. Pay attention to the label. Do not choose a formula containing a decongestant.
Pay attention to the warnings on labels. Avoid taking any medication that has a warning label that states that high blood pressure patients and people who are on medication should consult a doctor before using it.
Aspirin and acetaminophen can be used to treat symptoms such as a sore throat, headache or fever.
What other treatments are available to safely treat flu and cold symptoms in people with high blood pressure?
Many cold and flu symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription flu medications. Many mild to moderate symptoms can often be treated with safe, non-invasive treatments that don’t affect blood pressure.
These are just a few:
Saline nasal spray
Clearing nasal congestion is possible with a saline spray. Saline nasal sprays can be used to flush out your sinuses and remove allergens, germs, and particles.
Saltwater gargle
Warm salt water, warm tea, or warm lemon juice and honey are all good options to relieve a sore or scratchy ear.
Fluids
You should rest if you feel unwell or have symptoms like a cold. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as tea, juice, soup, and water, will help you stay hydrated and clear your lungs.
The bottom line
It pays to be careful when it comes to your health. If you have high blood pressure, you should not take multi-symptom flu and cold medications. However, there are flu and cold medications that are tailored to your specific condition.
These are not the only reasons to consult your doctor before you take any over-the-counter medication.
