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As many over-the-counter decongestants get a new ingredient, you might want to look for alternatives.For nasal congestion due to colds and allergies, millions of Americans reach for an over-the-counter decongestant to clear a stuffy nose. Some read the warning label: "Do not use this product if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty in urination due to enlargement of the prostate gland unless directed by a doctor." Few heed it. But it might be good to pay attention to the decongestant's warning. Many of your favorite products containing a decongestant are no longer so easily available on pharmacy shelves. For example, products containing pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed and many other non-prescription decongestants, now are purchased "behind the counter." You don't need a prescription, but you do have to ask a pharmacist or clerk for them and show an ID or sign a log. Fearing that customers will shy away from asking a pharmacist or clerk for these products, some drug companies are replacing pseudoephedrine with another over-the-counter decongestant called phenylephrine. Is phenylephrine just like pseudoephedrine? Regarding its effectiveness as a treatment for nasal congestion, the answer is no. In fact, some research has found that at the current recommended doses of phenylephrine it offers minimal symptom improvement. It may be safer for people with high blood pressure and heart disease, but there is not enough research to be certain. Decongestant effects beyond the noseA stuffy nose is a hallmark of the common cold and allergic rhinitis. Chalk this symptom up to the body's immune response. When you have a cold, virus-infected cells in the nose, sinuses, and throat attract a flood of white blood cells. These infection fighters churn out substances that kill the cold virus but also swell nasal membranes and make the body produce extra mucus. In allergic rhinitis, the immune cells trigger the same type of response in the nose, sinuses and throat. Pseudoephedrine constricts blood vessels in the nose and sinuses. This shrinks swelling and drains fluids, letting you breathe easier again. Unfortunately, the drug doesn't affect only the head — it tightens blood vessels throughout the body. One pseudoephedrine side effect is a possible increase in blood pressure. In general, this increase is minimal in people with controlled high blood pressure. But prior studies found a small percent of people had marked increases in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure and need to take pseudoephedrine you should have your blood pressure checked more often. The FDA says that pseudoephedrine is safe when taken as directed. Indeed, millions of people use it each year without any dire consequences. That doesn't mean it's risk free. Over the years, there have been reports of heart attacks, strokes, disturbed heart rhythms, and other cardiovascular problems linked with use of pseudoephedrine. Alternatives to decongestantsAlternatives to oral decongestants are available. In the drug realm, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can help with a stuffy nose are safe for the heart. Nasal sprays deliver a decongestant right where you need it. In theory, this should minimize cardiovascular effects. However, nasal decongestant sprays should be used only for several days because it can lead to rebound nasal congestion. If you want to avoid medications altogether, you can try a variety of natural decongestants to clear your head. Breathe Right nasal strips may help you breathe better at night. A steamy shower or a hot towel wrapped around the face can relieve congestion. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially hot beverages, keeps mucus moist and flowing. Some people swear by spicy foods, and we would be remiss if we did not mention chicken soup. Photo: spukkato/iStock/Getty images Plus Sinus pressure can occur when illness, injury, or allergies cause tissue swelling inside the nasal passages. Certain medications can help relieve it. The best medication for sinus pressure will depend on several factors, including the cause of the problem and a person’s circumstances. This article looks at some of the most suitable medications for sinus pressure. The sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones that surround the nose. They produce mucus to keep the nostrils clean and lubricated. If an infection, allergy, or injury causes the tissue inside the nose to swell up, this can block the sinuses and lead to sinus pressure. A person may feel pressure or pain in their:
People may also experience a stuffy or runny nose or a headache. Common causes of sinus pressure include:
Decongestants narrow the blood vessels in the nose. This allows the swollen tissue to shrink and enables air to pass through the sinuses more easily. Pill and spray decongestants are available. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine products are only suitable for adults and children over 4 years of age. When taking over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants, it is important to follow the advice on the label. Additionally, people should not use more than one decongestant at once. Sometimes, decongestants can interfere with prescription medicines. Anyone already taking prescription medication or who has one of the following medical conditions should also speak with their doctor before taking a decongestant:
The possible side effects of decongestants include:
Examples of decongestants include the following. 1. NaphazolineNaphazoline is usually an eye drop product. People can use it if they have a cold, allergy, or eye irritation. Privine is a type of naphazoline. 2. OxymetazolineOxymetazoline is a nasal spray. People can use it to relieve sinus pressure if they have a cold or allergies, including hay fever. Afrin, Dristan, Nostrilla, and Vicks Sinus Nasal Spray are all types of oxymetazoline. 3. PhenylephrinePhenylephrine can ease stuffiness and sinus pressure and is available as a pill or a nasal spray. Neo-Synephrine, Sinex, Rhinall, and the pill form of Sudafed-PE all contain phenylephrine. 4. PseudoephedrinePeople with colds or allergies can use pseudoephedrine to ease sinus pressure. This medication comes in tablet or liquid form. Sudafed 12-hour tablets contain pseudoephedrine. People can take antihistamines to treat allergies. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a substance that is not harmful and releases chemicals that doctors call histamines. For example, people may be allergic to pet dander, pollen, or dust. Antihistamines block the effects of histamine and ease allergy symptoms, which can include sinus pressure. The possible side effects of these medicines include:
People should speak with a doctor before taking antihistamines if they are pregnant or have the following health conditions:
Different types of antihistamines are available from drug stores or on prescription from a doctor. Some last between 4 and 6 hours, while others can last for 12–24 hours. However, driving or operating heavy machinery after taking some types of antihistamines may not be safe. People should always follow the instructions on the packet. Common types of antihistamines include the following. 5. Azelastine nasal spraysAzelastine nasal spray is only available on prescription. Doctors may call it Astepro or Astelin. Adults and children over the age of 6 years can use this medication. Azelastine has a half life — the time it takes for the amount of a drug’s active substance to reduce by half in the body — of around 20 hours. 6. LoratadineLoratadine comes as a liquid or a tablet and is available over the counter. Claritin is its brand name. Adults and children over the age of 2 years can use it. However, it is unsuitable for children who weigh less than 30 kilograms. People tend to use this medication just once a day. OTC pain medication can also help ease the discomfort of sinus pressure. Different medicines work in different ways and have different risks and side effects. People should always follow the instructions on the label. Examples of OTC pain medications include the following. 7. AcetaminophenAcetaminophen changes the way the body senses pain. It is available as a tablet or liquid. People should always follow the instructions on the packet and only take one product containing acetaminophen at a time. This is because taking too much can cause liver damage. Additionally, anyone who is allergic to acetaminophen should not take it. Possible serious side effects of acetaminophen include:
Anyone who experiences any of these side effects should seek emergency medical attention. 8. IbuprofenIbuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing swelling, which can help ease sinus pressure. Anyone who is allergic to ibuprofen should not take this medication. Additionally, some people who are allergic to aspirin are also allergic to ibuprofen. In some individuals, ibuprofen can cause bleeding in the gut. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), people who are most at risk are:
Other medications that may help ease sinus pressure include the following. 9. SteroidsSteroid nasal sprays can ease the swelling that leads to sinus pressure. They are available over the counter and on prescription from a doctor. They are generally safe, but as with all medicines, they can pose risks. For example, some people may get nose bleeds. In rare cases, steroid nasals sprays can cause eye problems, such as glaucoma and cataracts. 10. AntibioticsBacterial infections can sometimes cause sinus pressure. When this is the case, antibiotics will clear the underlying infection. These medications are only available from a doctor, who will usually recommend taking them for between 3 and 28 days. Common side effects include:
Other treatments for sinus pressure include:
Sinus pressure can feel like a pain or tightness around the eyes, nose, and forehead. It is usually a symptom of an infection, allergy, or injury. There are many medicines for sinus pressure, including decongestants and antihistamines. The right one depends on several factors, including the cause of the problem. Can you take sinus medication with high blood pressure?To keep your blood pressure in check, avoid over-the-counter decongestants and multisymptom cold remedies that contain decongestants — such as pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, naphazoline and oxymetazoline. Also, check the label for high sodium content, which can also raise blood pressure.
Can I take Tylenol Sinus with high blood pressure?Acetaminophen/phenylephrine is generally safe to take, but it's not the best choice for everyone. If you have liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, ask your provider if acetaminophen/phenylephrine is safe for you to use.
What is the best overCoricidin ® HBP is the #1 selling† brand of powerful cold medicine specially formulated for those with high blood pressure. Nasal decongestants in common cold medications may raise one's blood pressure. Nasal decongestants relieve nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nose.
What happens if you take a decongestant with high blood pressure?If you suffer from high blood pressure, you should know that decongestants may raise your blood pressure and may interfere with the medications you take.
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What to take for sinus infection with high blood pressure
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