Is Mucinex DM safe for patients with Hypertension? (a quick look at safe cough/cold remedies)

Sneezing, coughing, flu like symptoms have been running rampant this time of year and it’s likely you have encountered family members over the holidays with this question. Your grandma can’t stop coughing but she takes two or three high blood pressure medications so you’re in a dilemma as to which cough med to grab at the local drug store. First of all the problem just what is the problem with cough and cold meds in conjunction with anti-hypertensives?

Many cough and cold medications contain NSAIDs to relieve pain. NSAIDs may increase your blood pressure. Cough and cold medicines also frequently contain decongestants. Decongestants can make blood pressure worse in two ways:

• Decongestants may make your blood pressure and heart rate rise.
• Decongestants may prevent high blood pressure drugs from working properly.
• Avoid NSAIDs which increase blood pressure
• Avoid pseudoefedrine which causes an increase in systolic blood pressure (with no effect on diastolic blood pressure)What can you do? Avoid using cough and cold medicine that contains NSAIDs or decongestants. Ask your doctor for suggestions about other ways to ease symptoms of cold, flu, or sinus problems.
• However there are several cold and cough medicines that are safe to use when taking anti-hypertensives. A great one is Mucinex DM. It contains dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.
• Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.
• The combination of dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is used to treat cough and chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.
  These medicines are not known to elevate blood pressure.​
• There are many other medicines that are safe but is best to consult a pharmacist before purchasing.
  And as always –  drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest!
  (https://www.drugs.com/answers/i-have-high-blood-pressure-can-i-take-mucinex-dm-346391.html)(http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-medication-safety#1)
  
  Yours for Healthier Nurses, 
  
  Dianne