Types of Cold Medicines
Some medicines are multipurpose formulas, designed to treat several symptoms at once. Others are individual formulas, designed to treat only one symptom. Most multipurpose formulas contain a painkiller, a decongestant and an antihistamine. In normal, healthy adults, OTC cold medicines should pose no problems when taken as directed. However, some ingredients can raise the blood pressure, especially in people with hypertension.
Acetaminophen
While studies have shown that women who take 500 mg or more of acetaminophen per day are more likely to develop high blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic, there is no indication that short-term use will result in long-term hypertension. Nor is there indication that short-term use causes acute increases in blood pressure. Some drugs, like Excedrin, use caffeine as a booster. Caffeine constricts blood vessels and can cause blood pressure to go up. When using a cold and sinus or sinus headache formula, check the packaging for caffeine. If you take a pain remedy with caffeine, reduce your caffeine consumption otherwise.
Decongestants
Decongestants pose the biggest concerns for health care professionals. Decongestants work by constricting the blood vessels in the sinus passages. Unfortunately, these drugs will also constrict the blood vessels all over the body and therefore raise blood pressure. Decongestants can also make some blood pressure medications less effective. There are some cold medicines, like Coricidin, formulated for people with hypertension, and people with this condition would do well to avoid medicines containing pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and oxymetazoline. If you are experiencing sinus congestion, try a home remedy like nasal irrigation, steam and hot compresses. If you must take a decongestant, consult with your physician first.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Drugs like ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen and naproxen sodium can cause you to retain water. In people with hypertension and/or kidney problems, this may contribute to an increase in blood pressure. If you have hypertension or kidney problems, consult with your physician before taking any NSAIDs.
