Safe cold medicine for high blood pressure

In this article:

• Best cold medicine for people with high blood pressure
• Compare safe cold medicines for high blood pressure
• Why are some medications risky for people with high blood pressure?
• Natural cold remedies for people with high blood pressure

In this article

• Best cold medicine for people with high blood pressure
• Compare safe cold medicines for high blood pressure
• Why are some medications risky for people with high blood pressure?
• Natural cold remedies for people with high blood pressure

Having a cold is never easy, but it can get more complicated for people with high blood pressure (hypertension). Picking up just any over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicine isn’t always safe for those with cardiovascular problems. Many OTC medicines, especially decongestants, can actually worsen blood pressure or heart problems. 

Fortunately, some products like Coricidin HBP are made for those with hypertension who need quick symptom relief. If you have high blood pressure, you’ll want to read the drug labels and know which ingredients to skip. That way, you can avoid even bigger health problems while managing a cold.

Best cold medicine for people with high blood pressure

The best cold medicine for people with high blood pressure is one that doesn’t contain ingredients that could increase blood pressure. For example, it’s best to avoid products that contain decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, as well as NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen.

Safer options may include the following:

• Acetaminophen: This is a widely used option for relieving pain or lowering fever that doesn’t increase blood pressure like some other pain relievers can. Still, while the risk of high blood pressure may be lower with acetaminophen, one study suggests that high doses may increase blood pressure in some people. 
• Saline nasal sprays: These can help clear stuffy or runny noses by rinsing the nasal passages without the risks of oral decongestants. Brands like Simply Saline or Ocean are common options.
• Dextromethorphan: This cough suppressant may help calm the coughing reflex and is generally considered safe for those with high blood pressure. It’s often found in products like Delsym and Robitussin DM. 
• Guaifenesin: This is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus, so it’s easier to cough up. It’s often combined with dextromethorphan in products like Mucinex DM.
• Antihistamines: Although they’re mainly used to manage allergy symptoms, non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine), and older ones, like Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine), may help alleviate sneezing and a runny nose from a cold. 

Many OTC cold and flu medications now come in versions labeled as safe for people with high blood pressure. The table below shows some common options, including what symptoms they treat and which ingredients they contain, so you can choose what works best for your symptoms.

Why are some medications risky for people with high blood pressure?

It can be tempting to purchase anything that claims to promise fast relief from common cold symptoms. However, for people with high blood pressure, it’s not just about what works; it’s also about what could make things worse. 

Decongestants

Some cold medications may contain decongestants or NSAIDs that can increase blood pressure and heart rate. While decongestants can narrow blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce congestion, they can also tighten blood vessels throughout other parts of the body. Even decongestant nasal sprays, which are less likely to affect the whole body, still carry a warning about an increased risk of high blood pressure.

Examples of decongestants include:

• Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
• Sudafed PE (phenylephrine)
• Dristan (oxymetazoline) 
• Vicks Sinex (oxymetazoline)
• Afrin (oxymetazoline)
• Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine)

NSAIDs

Other ingredients, like NSAIDs, can cause the body to hold on to salt and water, which may increase blood pressure or put extra stress on the heart. Even if you normally have your blood pressure under control with blood pressure medication, taking NSAIDs might make your medicine less effective. 

• Advil, Motrin (ibuprofen) 
• Aleve, Naprosyn (naproxen)
• Celebrex (celecoxib) 
• Voltaren (diclofenac) 
• Lodine (etodolac) 
• Indocin (indomethacin) 
• Feldene (piroxicam) 
• Bayer, Ecotrin (aspirin)

It’s important to read the labels on any products you use, as some combination medications marketed for multi-symptom control may contain these ingredients. If you’re not sure, ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider before taking anything new.

Natural cold remedies for people with high blood pressure

Many people with high blood pressure who are experiencing a cold may want to avoid OTC medications altogether. Some natural cold remedies can help relieve cold symptoms without increasing blood pressure. However, like OTC medications, they’re meant to manage symptoms rather than cure a cold. 

• Warm fluids: Drinking warm liquids, such as tea, broth, or hot water with lemon, can help soothe a sore throat and thin mucus. However, you’ll want to watch for excessive salt intake from broths that can worsen high blood pressure.
• Rest: Allowing your body to rest can help it fight off a virus more effectively. Try to get extra sleep and take it easy while symptoms are at their worst.
• Honey: A spoonful of honey may help calm a cough and coat a scratchy throat. It’s a safe option for adults and older children, though it shouldn’t be given to babies under 1 year old.
• Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can relieve nasal congestion, dry throat, and coughing. Cool-mist humidifiers are generally safe and work best when cleaned regularly to prevent mold.
• Steam: Breathing in steam from a warm shower or bowl of hot water may help open nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure. Just be careful not to get too close to hot water to avoid burns.

Natural remedies may be a helpful part of cold care routines for those trying to avoid OTC products that might interfere with blood pressure control. However, some natural supplements may increase blood pressure, such as ephedra and licorice root, so it’s best to avoid those. 

Bottom line

Managing a cold with high blood pressure doesn’t have to be frustrating, but you’ll have to pay some extra attention. The general rule is to avoid decongestants and NSAIDs, which are often found in a lot of cold medicines. However, some medications are specially made without these ingredients for people with high blood pressure, such as Coricidin HBP products.

Always take a moment to read the label, especially on combination products, and skip any active ingredients that could raise blood pressure. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist to find the best option.