Hypertension patients who are on blood pressure medicine must pay special attention to drug interactions, especially if they wish to treat their allergy symptoms. Doctors and allergists warn against taking over-the-counter nasal sprays or antihistamine/decongestant combinations, which can raise blood pressure. Drugs such as pseudoephedrine, found in popular oral and nasal spray decongestants, may also decrease the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication. Patients with cardiovascular diseases should avoid similar drugs such as phenylephrine and oxymetazoline and choose from effective substitutes.
Antihistamine
Antihistamines bought over the counter or with prescriptions adequately address symptoms shared with colds, such as sneezing, itching and runny nose, but not congestion. Folks who take blood pressure medication should choose antihistamine allergy medicines carefully, preferably on a physician's advice.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology warns that many antihistamine formulas, such as acrivastine and ceterizine, contain decongestant drugs. Some brands come in many formulas, some with and some without decongestants, so patients should check all ingredients before selecting a medication. Hypertensive people should not take antihistamines that contain pseudoephedrine or other decongestants.
Nasal Corticosteroid
Nasal corticosteroids represent safer allergy treatment choices for hypertensives, with fewer side effects than sedating antihistamines. They also remedy a wider range of seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, doctors prescribe nasally administered steroid sprays such as fluticasone and triamcinolone acitonide over riskier oral steroids. Nasal steroid allergy medicines have few side effects and are safe for heart patients to take over the long term.
Anticholinergic
Doctors may prescribe ipratropium bromide for short-term relief of seasonal runny noses but not other common allergy symptoms, as the AAAAI reports. This neurotransmitter blocker may cause numerous serious side effects, including nervous system disorders. Physicians may prescribe this nasal spray for individuals with multiple health conditions who can't take other allergy medicines but need symptom relief.
Cromolyn Sodium
Cromolyn sodium's anti-inflammatory mechanism safely treats high blood pressure patients for all types of allergy symptoms. Concern about medication interactions and dependencies may make cromolyn sodium the preferred choice for allergy sufferers with hypertension.
For effective relief, patients must begin dosing prior to symptom onset, if seasonal, or take this allergy medicine on a continual basis. UMMC notes that cromolyn sodium subdues histamine-caused itching and respiratory problems by preventing the body's mast cells from releasing histamines during allergic reactions. This type of drug action poses no threat to cardiovascular health.
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