High blood pressure conditions can create risks for people seeking relief from allergy symptoms. Certain allergy medications may interfere with antihypertensive drug regimens or exacerbate existing blood pressure problems to severe levels. People who take drugs to manage their cardiovascular health need allergy medicines that they can safely take simultaneously, and for as long as their symptoms last. Options exist for treating the sneezing, itching, runny nose and congestion of hay fever and indoor allergies without serious side effects.
Cromolyn Sodium Nasal Spray
Cromolyn sodium prevents seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms without drug dependency, interaction or side effects risks. Heart patients and people on other medicines may find this safety record an acceptable trade-off for cromolyn sodium's frequent dosing program and variable results. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) reports that this nonprescription nasal spray effectively treats all respiratory problems, but requires prolonged dosing in some cases. Seasonal patients must begin taking this allergy medication before pollen counts rise, and some people may need up to six doses per day. Still, cromolyn sodium is gentle enough to take year-round for allergy complaints, even in children as young as two years.
Corticosteroid Nasal Spray
Nasal corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate and budesonide have a different, longer-lasting action, but still must be taken every day. Seasonal hay fever patients with high blood pressure may not want to take an extra drug, but those with multiple or perennial allergies won't mind a daily nasal spray. These prescription-only allergy medications address all respiratory allergy symptoms and itching, some needing only one dose per 24 hours. According to the AAAAI medication guide, hypertensive patients can safely include nasal corticosteroids in their dosing schedules.
Antihistamine Formulas
The University of Maryland Medical Center lists several distinctions among antihistamine formulas that hypertensives should make in selecting an allergy medication. Ingredients, drug forms and length of treatment all bear on the most appropriate remedy for individual allergies. People with high blood pressure should not take antihistamines that incorporate decongestant ingredients, which constrict the blood vessels. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, cetirizine, fexofenadine or desloratadine that don't have decongestants, while safe for heart patients, will only alleviate sneezing, itching and runny-nose allergy symptoms. Some cause drowsiness and some do not. Patients can meet their preferences for liquid, tablet or spray forms with most prescription and over-the-counter brands of antihistamines. Recommended by manufacturers for limited use, these allergy medicines may best be suited to mild seasonal allergies.
