Allergy patients with high blood pressure, or hypertension, must take extra care in selecting over-the-counter medications. While medicines abound to ease the discomfort of sneezing, itching and nasal allergy symptoms, some formulas may cause or increase hypertension. Physicians who are aware of hypertensive conditions will prescribe or recommend nonprescription allergy medications that don't counteract cardiovascular treatments.
Nonprescription Nasal Medications
Cromolyn sodium is an over-the-counter nasal spray that hypertensive patients can safely use only during the hay fever season or every day, depending on allergy sensitivities. According to MayoClinic.com, cromolyn sodium prevents the onset of all allergy symptoms and doesn't hold a risk for serious side effects. Patients must exchange superior safety for variable results, but this medication can be taken up to six times a day, as needed. People with hypertension should not take nonprescription decongestant nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline and pseudoephedrine.
Prescription Nasal Medications
Prescription-controlled nasal allergy medications include corticosteroid and antihistamine nasal sprays. Nasal corticosteroids do not carry the risk for blood pressure and blood glucose side effects that an oral corticosteroid such as prednisone has, MayoClinic.com notes. Hay fever and perennial allergies can be treated by mometasome furoate, fluticasone and other nasal steroids without drowsiness or other major side effects. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, or AAAAI, reports that nasal steroids effectively reduce itchiness, sneezing, runny noses and stuffy noses, most with once-daily administration. Some prescription antihistamines, such as azelastine and olopatadine, treat only seasonal allergy conditions, and don't address congestion symptoms. Most require at least twice-daily dosing but, minus a decongestant additive, are safe for hypertensive patients to take.
Antihistamine Varieties
Over-the-counter antihistamines offer allergy patients plenty of choices but may hide risks for those with high blood pressure. These medications also fail to provide congestion relief. Antihistamine syrups, tablets, capsules, eyedrops and nasal sprays appeal to various age groups, with dosing required every four, 12 or 24 hours. The AAAAI reports that some brands of the nonprescription allergy drugs diphenhydramine, citirizine, loratadine and others offer two formulas: a stand-alone antihistamine and a combination antihistamine/decongestant. The only difference in the packaging of the combination drugs, which are dangerous for heart patients, may be a "D" added to the brand name. A doctor or pharmacist can help patients avoid medications with decongestants.
