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Drugs to Avoid With High Blood Pressure

Certain over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as well as herbal supplements, may interfere with medication taken for high blood pressure. These medicines may raise blood pressure to unsafe levels, and prevent high blood pressure medication from working properly. Awareness of which drugs to avoid with high blood pressure will ensure your blood pressure medication is able to work effectively.

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs)

    • NSAIDs are available as a prescription, and in over-the-counter medications. Drugs to avoid with high blood pressure include, ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. They could cause fluid retention, affect kidney function and raise blood pressure to dangerous levels.

    Cough and Cold Medications

    • Decongestant cough and cold medicines may contain pseudoephedrine. This drug narrows blood vessels, which does not allow blood to flow freely and can cause blood pressure to rise. Speak to your doctor about cough and cold products that are safe for people with high blood pressure.

    Herbal Supplements

    • Taking herbal supplements may sound safe, but they can interfere with high blood pressure medicines. Supplements could also raise blood pressure dangerously. Before taking any herbal supplement, ask a physician if it is safe for you to take. Some herbal supplements that should be avoided by people with high blood pressure include, ephedra (ma-huang), ginseng, St. John's wort, stinging nettle, guarana, bitter orange and licorice.

    Migraine Medications

    • Avoid migraine medications if you have high blood pressure or any type of heart disease. Migraine drugs tighten blood vessels in the head and constrict other blood vessels in the body.

    Antidepressants

    • Antidepressants should be avoided by people with high blood pressure. Talk to your physician about taking alternative medications.

    Oral Contraceptives

    • Birth control pills, or other medications which contain hormones, may cause blood pressure to rise. Other birth control methods that come with a high blood pressure warning are patches and vaginal rings. Blood pressure should be monitored while on birth control or your physician may prescribe a birth control method that has a lower amount of hormone in it.

    Antacids

    • Check the labels on antacids to see how much salt they contain. Some antacids contain high levels of salt which may make blood pressure rise, so try to avoid salt in your antacid.

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