Many over-the-counter weight-loss aids contain drugs that can cause high blood pressure. If you already take medication for high blood pressure, you may need to avoid certain non-prescription dietary aids. Ask your doctor which dietary aids are safe to use if you have any type of heart problem or other chronic condition.
Fat-Blockers
Fat-blockers appear safe to take if you take high blood pressure medications. One of the few over-the-counter medications to undergo testing is the fat-blocker Alli, a reduced-dose version of the prescription drug Xenical. Alli blocks 25 percent of the fat you eat from being absorbed from the intestine, according to the official website for the drug, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Yet even Alli has modest proven benefits, possibly increasing your weight loss by just 3 to 5 pounds over a one-year time period. Alli also has significant side effects, including incontinence and passage of oily, loose, uncontrollable stool and a risk of liver damage. Chitosan, made from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crab, also acts as a fat-blocker, although its effectiveness is unproven.
Chromium
Chromium, often sold as chromium picolinate, has been suggested as an aid to weight loss by alternative practitioners. Chromium is safe to take with blood pressure medications. Chromium, an essential trace element, meaning your body needs small amounts of it from your diet, may help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, which help control diabetes and may also help you lose weight. However, a Yale study reported in the March 2010 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" did not find any effect on weight loss in 80 individuals who took 1,000 micrograms of chromium picolinate per day after 24 weeks.
Drugs to Avoid -- Stimulants
Stimulants can raise your blood pressure. If you take blood pressure medications, taking these dietary aids could decrease your blood pressure medication's effectiveness. Drugs in this category include medications that contain ephedra or its derivative ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine. Many manufacturers have removed phenylpropanolamine from their formulations at the United States Food and Drug Administration's request, due to side effects such as an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
Drugs to Avoid -- Diuretics
Diuretics are often used as a first treatment for high blood pressure or in addition to other blood pressure medications. Herbal diuretics may increase the diuretic effect of prescription diuretics used as a treatment for high blood pressure. Diuretics can also lower your potassium levels. Apple cider vinegar in liquid or capsule form may also decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can lead to an irregular heartbeat.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Over-the-Counter and Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; A Pilot Study of Chromium Picolinate for Weight Loss; Y. Yazaki, et al.; March 2010
- Drugs.com: Ephedrine
- eMedTV; Does Apple Cider Vinegar Cause Side Effects?; November 2007
- MayoClinic.com; Alli Weight-Loss Pill; Donald Hensrud, M.D.; June 2010
- Drugs.com: Phenylpropanolamine
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