OTC & RX Medications That May Increase Blood Pressure

Table of Contents

• Allergy, cold and flu medications and high blood pressure
  • Antihistamines 
    • Zyrtec 
    • Claritin
    • Benadryl
  • Nasal sprays
  • Pseudoephedrine
  • Phenylephrine 
  • What cough medicine can I take with high blood pressure?
  • Nyquil and high blood pressure
• Pain relievers and high blood pressure
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 
  • Combination drugs
• What sleep aid can you take with high blood pressure?
  • Adderall
  • Lexapro and Zoloft
  • Muscle relaxants 
  • Viagra
  • Blood thinners 
  • Steroids
• Your primary care provider is the best source of advice
• Forward makes managing multiple medical conditions simpler

If you have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing it, it’s important to use caution when choosing over-the-counter medications and prescription medications. Many drugs that are generally safe for most people could increase your blood pressure levels. Additionally, some medications may interfere with your blood pressure medication. Here’s a look at some of the most common over-the-counter and prescription medications and how they affect your blood pressure.

Allergy, cold and flu medications and high blood pressure

Over-the-counter allergy medications can provide relief from seasonal allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Cold medicines usually alleviate multiple symptoms associated with colds and contain more than one drug. Most cold, flu and allergy medications contain one of 

Antihistamines 

Antihistamines block or interfere with histamine, an immune system chemical that triggers allergy symptoms. These tend to be the best sinus meds for people with high blood pressure.

Zyrtec 

Zyrtec is the brand name version of cetirizine. It is also available with a decongestant as Zyrtec D (cetirizine and pseudoephedrine). Zyrtec doesn’t usually raise blood pressure, but Zyrtec D may.

Claritin 

Claritin is a brand name for the drug loratadine, which doesn’t usually raise blood pressure. Claritin-D, a combination of loratadine and pseudoephedrine, can elevate blood pressure.

Benadryl 

Benadryl is the best-known brand name for the drug diphenhydramine. Normally, Benadryl does not cause high blood pressure when taken in standalone form. However, the combination drug Benadryl D can increase blood pressure because it contains diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine.

Nasal sprays

Steroid nasal sprays reduce swelling in the nasal passages to alleviate congestion. These include fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort). Steroid nasal sprays aren’t known to increase blood pressure.

Saline nasal sprays thin mucus to alleviate congestion. These nasal sprays are a saline solution made of salt and water and include products like Ocean and Ayr. Saline nasal sprays aren’t known to increase blood pressure levels.  

Pseudoephedrine 

The sinus decongestant pseudoephedrine, the active drug in Sudafed, is known to raise blood pressure. Avoid these medications if you have high blood pressure.

Phenylephrine 

Phenylephrine is a decongestant from the same class of drugs as pseudoephedrine. Although it doesn’t generally increase blood pressure, it’s possible — so consult your doctor before taking it.

What cough medicine can I take with high blood pressure?

There are two main types of cough medicine:

• Antitussives: suppress your cough reflex. Dextromethorphan is the most common over-the-counter antitussive and is found in numerous cough medicines.
• Expectorants: thin mucus to make it easier for you to clear it from your airways. Guaifenesin is the only expectorant available over the counter. It is found in Mucinex and in Robitussin Chest Congestion.

Generally, standalone antitussives and expectorants don’t raise blood pressure. However, many popular combination cold and flu medications also contain pseudoephedrine and NSAIDs, which may increase blood pressure.

These drugs have the potential to increase blood pressure on their own and when taken in combination with cold medicines.

Nyquil and high blood pressure

Nyquil is a popular brand name over-the-counter cold medication. The brand offers multiple products, each of which has different key ingredients. You should avoid most Nyquil liquid and capsule cold medications if you have high blood pressure.

However, the brand does offer the product NyQuil HBP Cold & Flu medicine specifically for people with hypertension. It contains drugs that alleviate sneezing, sore throat, headache, fever, runny nose, cough and body aches but is free of medications that increase blood pressure.

Pain relievers and high blood pressure

There are three main categories of over-the-counter pain relievers:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen acts on the part of the brain that receives pain messages and controls body temperature. Since acetaminophen doesn’t normally increase blood pressure, it’s a common pain reliever recommended for people with hypertension. Generally, doctors recommend that people with high blood pressure take acetaminophen for pain and fever relief. 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 

NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) interfere with hormones that act on the nerves and cause pain sensations and swelling. These are known to increase blood pressure. Don’t start a low-dose aspirin regimen or use aspirin for pain relief without consulting your primary care physician. 

Combination drugs

Combination pain relievers typically contain acetaminophen plus an NSAID and are most commonly used to treat headaches. It’s best to avoid combination medications if you have high blood pressure.

What sleep aid can you take with high blood pressure?

Over-the-counter sleep aids can help alleviate insomnia and are generally considered safe for most people to use for short periods. If you have high blood pressure, read the labels carefully when choosing a sleep aid.

Antihistamine sleep aids like diphenhydramine, doxylamine succinate and cyclizine are unlikely to raise blood pressure. However, some antihistamine sleep aids, such as Advil-PM, contain NSAIDs, which can increase blood pressure. For pain relief plus a sleep aid, Tylenol PM that contains acetaminophen is generally a better option.

Prescription medications and high blood pressure

It’s important to tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including vitamins and supplements. Some very common prescription medications can cause increases in blood pressure — or, if you’re taking blood pressure medication, cause low blood pressure.

Adderall 

Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Since it can increase blood pressure levels, doctors typically don’t prescribe it for people who have uncontrolled hypertension or heart problems. People who take Adderall recreationally may experience high blood pressure, and in large doses, the risk increases. You should never take Adderall unless a doctor has prescribed it for you.

Lexapro and Zoloft

Lexapro is the brand name for the prescription medication escitalopram, and Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline. Both of these commonly prescribed medications are in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and are used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Lexapro and Zoloft aren’t generally known to increase blood pressure, but when they’re combined with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) and phenelzine (Nardil), they can lead to dangerous blood pressure spikes as well as low sodium levels, which can lead to confusion, headaches and difficulty concentrating. This is most common in older adults who take both medications.

Muscle relaxants 

Muscle relaxants used to treat muscle spasms and cramping normally don’t increase blood pressure. In fact, they often lower it. As a result, muscle relaxers may not be safe to take with certain blood pressure medications.

Viagra

Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It causes blood vessels to widen, increasing blood flow to the penis. This actually lowers blood pressure. Taking Viagra with blood pressure medication can cause dizziness and fainting. As a result, doctors use caution when prescribing Viagra and similar medications for men taking blood pressure medication.

Blood thinners 

Blood thinners prevent clots from forming in blood and help blood circulate more freely through the body. Taking a blood thinner is unlikely to increase your blood pressure. However, people with uncontrolled high blood pressure are more at risk for bleeding while taking blood thinners.

Steroids

Prescription steroids or corticosteroid medications like Prednisone reduce inflammation and treat a range of conditions. In some people, steroids can increase blood pressure. However, the benefits of steroids sometimes outweigh the risk of increased blood pressure and may be prescribed even if your blood pressure is already high. In this case, your doctor will keep a close eye on your blood pressure and may recommend that you follow a low-sodium diet.

Your primary care provider is the best source of advice

The information outlined above is general advice only. Your medical history may make an over-the-counter or prescription drug that’s generally safe for people with hypertension less than ideal for you. Only your primary care provider, armed with your medical history, can provide you with individual guidance on what drugs you should take and which you should avoid if you have high blood pressure. Always consult with your physician before you start any new over-the-counter medication or dietary supplement.

Forward makes managing multiple medical conditions simpler

When you have high blood pressure and another medical condition that requires treatment with over-the-counter or prescription medication, you need a specialized plan of care that addresses both. Acting as your primary care provider, we provide one-to-one, personalized care that takes into consideration your medical history and lifestyle. Our 12-week, doctor-led Healthy Heart Program can get you on the path to lowering your blood pressure, and we can help you determine which medications are the right fit for your unique needs.

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Loratadine side effects and how to avoid them

Common loratadine side effects | Serious side effects | Heart palpitations | Weight gain | Drowsiness | Anxiety | Side effects timeline | Contraindications | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects | How to treat side effects

Loratadine is the generic version of Claritin and other brand-name allergy relief products such as Alavert. Loratadine relieves symptoms caused by upper respiratory allergies including hay fever: runny nose (allergic rhinitis), itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, or sore throat. It can also be used for hives (urticaria), itchy skin, or insect bite reactions. Loratadine is a second-generation or non-drowsy antihistamine. Like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), loratadine prevents histamines, which are released in response to allergens, from causing swelling and other symptoms. It does not, however, easily enter the brain, so it’s less likely to cause the sleepiness and dizziness associated with other antihistamines. That doesn’t mean it’s free of side effects. However, most side effects are mild and interfere little with daily functioning. 

RELATED: What is Loratadine? | Loratadine coupon

Common side effects of loratadine

Headaches are the most commonly experienced side effect of loratadine. Other common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Ear pain
• Sore throat
• Dry mouth
• Nose bleeds
• Skin rash
• Stomach pain

Serious side effects of loratadine

The most serious side effects of loratadine include:

• Airway closure (bronchospasm)
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Low platelet counts
• Liver problems
• Severe allergic reactions

Heart palpitations 

There are cases of non-drowsy antihistamines provoking heartbeat irregularities. The incidence is estimated to be very low, about one in every 57,000 people. However, loratadine is frequently combined with a decongestant. Claritin-D, for instance, contains both loratadine and pseudoephedrine. Decongestants can cause heart problems like palpitations or racing heartbeats. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience fast or irregular heartbeats.

Weight gain

Studies have shown that prescription antihistamines are associated with weight gain. In fact, at least one antihistamine is prescribed off-label to help people with anorexia nervosa gain weight. Weight gain is a long-term side effect, so it’s associated more with prescription antihistamines or the chronic use of nonprescription antihistamines. The drug has to be taken regularly for weeks or months for weight gain to become obvious. Loratadine is not as strongly associated with weight gain as some other antihistamines such as Benadryl, but that’s partly because it’s less likely to be used regularly as a sleep aid or another off-label purpose. If unwanted weight gain is experienced when taking any antihistamine, get medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Drowsiness

As a non-drowsy antihistamine, loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness than Benadryl, which contains a first-generation antihistamine called diphenhydramine. That doesn’t mean that drowsiness is not a possible side effect of loratadine. While the incidence of drowsiness is 22% among people taking diphenhydramine, it’s around 8% among people taking loratadine – that’s an improvement, but still one out of 12. “Less-drowsy” is probably a more accurate description than “non-drowsy.” The drowsiness may not be as severe or frequent as with other antihistamines, but it can be anticipated and planned for. If drowsiness is too severe, stop taking loratadine, try a different non-drowsy antihistamine, or get medical advice from a healthcare professional about other treatment options.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a reported side effect of loratadine, but the incidence is unknown. Loratadine does have sedating effects—the opposite of anxiety—so anxiety is considered an unlikely side effect. On the other hand, many loratadine products such as Claritin D are combination drugs that include decongestants like pseudoephedrine. Decongestants are stimulants. They excite the central nervous system, so anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, and physical symptoms of anxiety such as high blood pressure and racing heartbeats are commonly experienced. If loratadine seems to be causing anxiety, check the active ingredients list. Consider switching to a loratadine product without a decongestant. If the product being used only contains loratadine, switch to a different non-drowsy antihistamine such as cetirizine.

How soon do loratadine side effects start?

Loratadine begins to show effects one to three hours after a dose is taken. These effects peak in about eight hours. Allergic reactions and racing heartbeats could manifest soon after the first dose. Many common side effects such as headache, drowsiness, and diarrhea begin early, as well. Some side effects, however, are delayed, such as weight gain or liver problems. 

How long do loratadine side effects last?

Over-the-counter loratadine should only be used when allergy symptoms are a problem. Most side effects will go away when loratadine is stopped. A single dose can be effective for up to 24 hours, so wait about a day after taking the last dose to see side effects improve. 

What are the long-term side effects of loratadine?

Loratadine and other antihistamines should not be used long-term except under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Some of the most serious side effects of loratadine require daily use over weeks and months to become a problem. Though rare, delayed side effects include seizures, liver problems, blood clotting problems, constipation, and weight gain. 

RELATED: Is it safe to take an antihistamine every day?

Loratadine contraindications

People who have had an allergic reaction to loratadine or a similar drug, desloratadine, should never take loratadine products.

Pregnancy

Loratadine is considered an acceptable antihistamine to use during pregnancy but it’s not recommended during the first trimester. Based on limited research, there is no evidence that loratadine can harm a fetus.

RELATED: Your guide to taking allergy medicine while pregnant

Breastfeeding

Loratadine is considered safe to take when breastfeeding. It is present in human breast milk, but studies on breastfed infants have shown only minor and rarely experienced problems such as sleepiness in nursing infants. Women who are breastfeeding, however, should consult with a healthcare professional before taking loratadine. Low doses may be advised.

Children

The FDA has determined that loratadine is safe and effective in children 2 years of age and older. Very young children (5 years of age or younger) should only receive half the adult dose, so use a children’s formulation.

RELATED: Treating seasonal allergies in teens, kids, and toddlers

Loratadine warnings

Although loratadine can be used without a prescription, that doesn’t mean it’s perfectly safe for everyone. There are a few issues that consumers should be aware of.

Cautions

Some people with pre-existing medical conditions cannot break down or eliminate loratadine from the body as well as others. These include people with liver disease or moderate to severe kidney disease. 

People with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare congenital disorder, may not be able to take some loratadine orally disintegrating tablets because they may contain phenylalanine.

Abuse

Loratadine is not considered a drug likely to be abused or to cause physical dependence or withdrawal. However, loratadine products that include pseudoephedrine are a different matter. Pseudoephedrine is a widely abused drug. In some locations, products containing pseudoephedrine may be sold only as “behind-the-counter” products, that is, not available for open sale. The loratadine in these products, however, is not a concern. 

Overdose

Call a poison control center or get medical attention if too much loratadine is taken. Symptoms may include drowsiness and headaches. An overdose is usually not harmful unless very large amounts are taken or other drugs are included in the overdose. In those cases, get emergency medical care. 

Loratadine

Although loratadine itself has not been taken completely off the market at any time, individual manufacturers have sporadically recalled loratadine products because of quality issues.

Loratadine interactions

Loratadine has been used since 1988. Since that time, no significant drug interactions have been discovered involving prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or dietary supplements. That being said, some people will experience drowsiness when taking loratadine. Though usually mild, other drugs that depress the central nervous system may worsen drowsiness. These include other antihistamines and alcohol.

Drug interactions are possible with other drugs like decongestants used in loratadine allergy relief products. To avoid problems, it’s important to read the active ingredients list of any store-bought medicine and research the side effects and drug interactions of all the drugs in the medicine.

How to avoid loratadine side effects

As an over-the-counter medication, loratadine is intended for self-medication. It’s generally safe but may sometimes cause problems. They’re usually mild problems, but there are a few ways to minimize or prevent them from occurring.

1. Follow the directions

Follow the directions written on the box or the drug information sheet packaged in the box. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not take extra medicine unless instructed to by a healthcare professional. Adults can take up to 10 mg per day; very young children can take up to 5 mg per day.

2. Take only one dose of loratadine per day

Taking too much loratadine will increase the likelihood of side effects. Loratadine is only intended to be taken once per day. Always take the next dose the day after. 

3. Read the list of active ingredients

Make sure to know all the drugs contained in many store-bought allergy relief products. Often, allergy relief pills will have more than one drug packed into each pill. These other drugs all have their own side effects and drug interactions. Read the list of active ingredients and look up possible side effects and drug interactions. Above all, don’t take other drugs containing the same or a similar drug. For instance, don’t combine Claritin D, which contains an antihistamine combined with pseudoephedrine, with a drug like Sudafed, which also contains pseudoephedrine, or Tylenol PM, which contains an antihistamine. 

4. Talk to a healthcare provider

People with liver problems, kidney problems, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to a healthcare professional before taking loratadine. People with liver or kidney dysfunction may need to take smaller doses.

How to treat side effects of loratadine

Loratadine’s side effects are mild. Most can be helped with a few simple tips.

Drowsiness

The best way to handle drowsiness is to take it easy. Sit down, lie down, and wait it out. Don’t try to drive, operate machinery, or do risky activities like chopping food or skiing. Drowsiness itself is not dangerous. However, falling, suffering accidents, and getting injured—all the things that can happen when someone is drowsy—are dangerous. If drowsiness is a serious problem, talk to a healthcare provider about other treatment options.

Headache

Drink plenty of fluids and take it easy. Over-the-counter pain relievers are okay to use, but it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider first. If headaches persist, get medical advice.

Allergic reactions

Loratadine can cause a serious and even life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. An allergic reaction means it’s time to stop taking the drug and get immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:

• Hives
• Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Lightheadedness
• Racing heartbeats
• Cold and clammy skin
• Confusion
• Fainting

Sources

• Antihistamines and weight gain, Obesity Medicine Association
• A review of antihistamines used during pregnancy, Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics
• Can you overdose on Claritin (loratadine)?, Missouri Poison Center
• Claritin Liqui-Gels drug information, U. S. National Library of Medicine
• Cyproheptadine in anorexia nervosa, British Journal of Psychiatry
• Diphenhydramine hydrochloride drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference
• Don’t let decongestants squeeze your heart, Harvard Health
• Loratadine, Epocrates
• Loratadine, Drugs and Lactation Database
• Loratadine drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference
• Non-sedating antihistamine drugs and cardiac arrhythmias—biased risk estimates from spontaneous reporting systems?, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
• Ventricular tachycardia induced by pseudoephedrine tablets for common cold, International Journal of Cardiology

Arterium Allergy Remedies Loratadine – “Caused dizziness, lowered blood pressure and caused aggravation of tachycardia. What else did I not expect from this drug?

Until last year, I was not familiar with allergies at all. What it is, I saw only on the example of acquaintances. But a year ago, she herself faced this misfortune. The doctor initially tried not to prescribe strong drugs to me. One of the “weak” was Loratadin. I want to talk about it in a review.

General information:

Cost: UAH 12.00 Ridiculous price.

Country of origin: Ukraine.

Presentation: tablets.

Shelf life: 5 years.

Quantity: 10 tablets per plate.

Pharmacological group: antihistamines for systemic use.

Composition:

active substance: loratadine;

1 tablet contains loratadine 10 mg

excipients: lactose monohydrate, potato starch; calcium stearate.

Method of administration and doses:

Adults and children over 12 years of age should take 1 tablet (10 mg loratadine) 1 time per day.

For children aged 2 to 12 years, dosage depends on body weight. With a body weight of more than 30 kg 10 mg (1 tablet) 1 time per day. For children weighing less than 30 kg, use the drug in the form of a syrup.

Design:

There is only 1 plate with 10 tablets in a carton. The blister is normal, without divisions.

The box contains information from the manufacturer on the composition and expiration dates of the drug, as well as the address of production.

…. When Loratadine is prescribed .…

At the very beginning of my acquaintance with allergy manifestations, Loratadine was prescribed to me. Of the symptoms present:

– runny nose;

– sneezing;

– eyes itched;

– general deterioration of health, as if ill with SARS.

In complex therapy, I was also prescribed sorbents, namely, ordinary activated carbon. And yet it was still necessary to rinse the nose with a solution of sea water in order to wash off the allergens from the mucosa.

How to use?

I took Loratadine after meals. The instructions do not say this, but I always do this – I do not take medicine on an empty stomach.

…. What is the effect of Loratadine .…

I was surprised, but after 2 days my allergy symptoms disappeared. I felt like a human again. Nasal congestion and malaise gone. But not everything turned out to be so rosy. Approximately on the 4th-5th day of taking Loratadine, I felt n side reactions :

– dizziness;

– palpitations;

– drowsiness.

In the first couple of hours after taking Loratain, it seemed to me that my heart would jump out of my chest. I even saw how it beats – on clothes, she already danced in the region of the heart. The fact is that in my life I have constantly low blood pressure (I have a norm of 100/65) and at the same time tachycardia. When prescribing Loratadine to me, the doctor did not ask about such trifles, and therefore did not know about it.

So I drank 9 tablets and said goodbye to the drug. Even the last 10th I did not dare to finish drinking. Tachycardia is no joke either. Why do I need it – such a side effect?

What conclusions did I draw for myself:

I told the doctor about feeling unwell after taking Loratadine and they picked up a replacement that suited me better. It turned out that you just need to monitor the medications you take yourself, and not hope that the doctor will take everything into account.

Pros:

+ low cost;

+ fast and long lasting effect.

Cons:

– experienced side effects: tachycardia and drowsiness (due to lowering the already low pressure).

Summary: Loratadine is definitely effective for a minor allergic reaction. This drug is affordable and affordable, and the fact that it can be bought at any pharmacy. Just remember that if you are a chronic hypotensive patient and, moreover, suffer from tachycardia, do not forget to warn your doctor about this and maybe he will select a more suitable treatment option for you. Side effects did not appear immediately, apparently the cumulative effect still plays a role. I didn’t throw away the last pill, you never know, maybe someone else in the family will come in handy (who is not so afraid to lower the pressure). I won’t take it myself anymore.

If you have high blood pressure…

IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE…

HEALTH AND BE HEALTHY

Tatyana Alekseevna Petrichko,

. Department of AFP and Preventive Medicine

KGBOU FPE IPKSZ

Arterial hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases of our time. Currently, about 40% of the population in Russia suffer from arterial hypertension. In many patients, arterial hypertension can be asymptomatic for a long time, without affecting overall well-being. With the long-term course of this disease, the body gradually adapts to high pressure, and a person’s well-being can remain relatively good. At the same time, high blood pressure has an adverse effect on blood vessels and internal organs: the brain, heart, kidneys. This often leads to such serious complications as stroke, coronary heart disease (angina pectoris), myocardial infarction, heart and kidney failure.

Remember ! Arterial hypertension is a chronic disease that constantly and steadily progresses in the absence of treatment. However, this disease can be controlled! To effectively reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular complications, it is important to take your medications regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What should I do if I have high blood pressure?

If you notice an increase in blood pressure, you should immediately consult a doctor to identify the cause of the disease and determine the tactics of treatment.

Remember! Never self-medicate. You can not listen to the advice of friends and relatives suffering from arterial hypertension and use the same medications that they take for treatment. Since the cause and course of the disease is different for each person, the treatment for some may be beneficial, while for others it is useless or even harmful. Only a doctor can determine the necessary tactics of therapeutic measures for each patient.

How to start treatment of high blood pressure?

In order to prevent the occurrence or progression of already existing arterial hypertension, it is necessary to reduce body weight, give up some bad habits, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, excessive salt intake.

Proper nutrition and physical exercise are the basis of treatment, but in some patients the pressure decreases, but remains above safe limits, what to do in this case?

Take antihypertensive drugs – drugs that lower blood pressure.

When should I start taking regular tablets?

If arterial hypertension is stable (that is, does not decrease on its own) for 2-3 weeks, despite salt restriction, proper nutrition, exercise, weight loss BP remains above a safe level – 140/90 mm Hg. it is necessary to start a constant intake of antihypertensive drugs selected by the doctor.

At what pressure should the tablets be taken continuously?

If your blood pressure is mostly above 140/90, even if it is 150/95, and especially if there are occasional crises, the pills need to be taken. The principle of treatment of arterial hypertension is that, while taking medications, the level of blood pressure does not go beyond normal values, one hundred creates conditions for the normal functioning of all vital organs and systems of the body.

What is the purpose of regular antihypertensives?

Always have safe pressure levels and no crises. Constant intake of antihypertensives is the only effective prevention of crises.

Remember! Arterial hypertension is a chronic disease and, like all chronic diseases, requires constant and continuous treatment. Stopping the medication will inevitably lead to a relapse of high blood pressure and the development of complications.

Remember! You need to be treated not just to be treated, but to have a pressure at a safe level – 140/90.

Which drug is needed?

This question should only be answered together with the doctor. Currently, for the treatment of hypertension, there is a large arsenal of medicines, divided into 5 groups of drugs. Each of these groups has its own contraindications, features of the appointment, depending on concomitant diseases, age, etc.

Groups of antihypertensive drugs

Group I – Beta-blockers

atenolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol, betaxolol

Group II – Calcium antagonists

Nifedipine, amlodipine, lercanidipine, fellodipine, nitrondipine

group III – ACE inhibitors

Captopril, enalopril, perendopril, lisinopril, foztnopril0011 – AT receptor blockers

Losartan, valsortan, eprosartan, telmisartan, olmesartan, Azilsartan

Group V – Diuretics 900 11

Hypothiazid, indapamide

Remember! Only a doctor can prescribe medications and determine their dosages.

What do these drugs do?

The factors on which the level of blood pressure depends, the main ones are already well known to you: spasm (constriction) of blood vessels, increased heart function, fluid retention. Let’s talk about this in a little more detail.

What determines the level of blood pressure?

Conventionally, the cardiovascular system can be represented as a closed system consisting of a tap, a tank and connecting tubes. Imagine that the tap performs the function of the heart, the tube is the arteries, and the tank is the entire body supplied with blood.

What factors stand out and how to influence them?

– if liquid comes from the tap under pressure, then the pressure in the pipe will increase; This is where beta blockers come in.

– if the pipe clearance is reduced, the pressure will also increase; the lumen of the tube is increased by calcium antagonists, ACE inhibitors, AT-receptor blockers.

– if you increase the amount of liquid in the tank, the pressure in the system will also increase; diuretics can influence this factor.

Who decides the drug group?

The doctor, taking into account the characteristics of your body and other factors, decides which group of drugs to start treatment with.

How does he decide on dosage?

Usually start treatment with the smallest dose. You take it for 5-7 days and check the pressure in the diary Blood pressure should be measured at least 2 times a day, preferably at the same hours) . It usually goes down a bit. After 5 days the dose is increased and again within 5 days you continue to control the pressure. It will drop a little more. If the blood pressure has not become 140/90, then the dose continues to be gradually increased until the blood pressure reaches safe limits.

What to do if the pressure still does not reach safe limits?

If the dose of the drug is brought to the maximum allowable, and the pressure has not reached 140/90 mm Hg, then the doctor has 2 options. The first is to cancel this drug and prescribe another from the same group or another group. The second is to reduce the dose of this drug and add a drug from another group.

How long does it take to select a scheme?

It depends on how your body reacts to antihypertensives. Sometimes very quickly. Sometimes you have to try different and different options until you reach the main result – 140/90 mmHg

What is required of you when choosing a dose?

Understanding the goals of this joint work with the doctor – achieving a pressure not higher than 140/90 mm Hg. and a normal life without vascular complications.

Regular BP measurement and diary. Without this, the work of dose selection turns into self-deception.

Can a doctor choose the right regimen without your participation?

Never. He makes any decision only, focusing on the reaction from the AD. This reaction can only be seen from the diaries. Without knowing your daily pressure readings, you cannot make the right decision.

Should blood pressure be lowered quickly?

If we are talking about the systematic selection of treatment, then no. Many patients have lived with high blood pressure for years. Its rapid decline can, on the contrary, lead to a deterioration in well-being.

What to do after you have reached a safe pressure – 140/90?

Continue the same lifestyle (proper nutrition and exercise) and take the selected antihypertensive regimen.

What happens if you stop taking your pills?

The pressure will start to rise again, sometimes even in the form of a crisis.

What prevents you from taking your pills regularly?

One of the common reasons is forgetting to take pills. To do this, there is a toothbrush rule – put the tablets next to the toothbrush, brush your teeth and drink the tablets.

What are the side effects of antihypertensive drugs?

Each of the antihypertensive drugs can have side effects.

The likelihood of occurrence and severity of a side effect depends on the dose: the higher it is, the more likely the risk of side effects is, which is why the doctor strives to prescribe the optimal doses of drugs.

The frequency of side effects and their severity may vary among different groups of drugs.

Remember! If you experience any new symptoms or discomfort while taking medication, you should consult your doctor.

Can you tell your doctor about your wishes regarding the antihypertensives that will be recommended to you?

You can and must.

What are these wishes?

First, the frequency of reception. There are pills that need to be taken 1 or 2 times a day, and there are those that need to be taken 3 or 4.

Secondly, no side effects. If you have already taken some pills and did not tolerate them well, tell your doctor about it.

Third, the cost. There are effective drugs that are easy to take with minimal side effects. But their cost is higher than similar drugs, which are inferior to them on certain points. There is no point in starting treatment with expensive pills if you cannot use them later. Although you should always remember that there is nothing more precious than health.

Fourth, control efficiency. You can choose several schemes, calculate the cost of one day of treatment, compare which of them is more effective and choose the decision that you prefer.

What can best reduce the cost of treatment?

Proper nutrition and exercise. These factors can reduce blood pressure by 10-20 mm. If you do not adhere to them, then you will have to pay for extra pills.

Remember that the most precious thing is health. It is better to spend money on blood pressure control now, when you have no complications and there is an opportunity to earn them, than a much larger amount later, when they appear and make it impossible for you to work.