With narrow angle glaucoma what cold medicines can you take?

When it comes to choosing cold medicines when you have narrow-angle glaucoma, it's important to be cautious about certain ingredients. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

Decongestants: Avoid decongestants found in over-the-counter cold and flu medications. Decongestants, like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, can cause constriction of blood vessels in the eye, potentially leading to an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack in individuals with narrow angles.

Antihistamines: First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine, can have a drying effect on the eyes and may worsen narrow-angle glaucoma by increasing the risk of angle closure.

Oral decongestants: Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, should also be avoided as they can have the same vasoconstrictive effects on the eye as decongestants found in nasal sprays and drops.

Consult your doctor: It's always advisable to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter cold medicines if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. They can recommend suitable medications that are less likely to cause problems with your eye condition.

Here are some alternative options that may be safer for people with narrow angle glaucoma:

Nasal saline sprays: Nasal saline sprays can help relieve nasal congestion without the risk of side effects on the eyes.

Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a hot shower or using a humidifier can help relieve nasal congestion and reduce the need for decongestant medications.

Antihistamines with less drying effects: Some second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), have less drying effects on the eyes and may be a safer option for people with narrow angle glaucoma.

Remember that it is important to follow the advice and recommendations of your healthcare provider when managing your narrow-angle glaucoma and selecting appropriate medications.