Medications to Avoid if You Have High Blood Pressure

According to the book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About: Hypertension," hypertension is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Although people die of different diseases, the underlying cause is often hypertension. Mild hypertension can affect a person for years without any noticeable symptoms, but once a person is diagnosed with hypertension there are various lifestyle changes and medications that reduce and manage the problem. There are also certain medications that an individual with hypertension should avoid.

Warning

• Some of the most common over-the-counter drugs that should be avoided by people with hypertension include aspirin, ibuprofen and Tylenol. These three over-the-counter drugs can cause hypertension because they cause sodium retention. These drugs also affect the expansion of blood vessels.

  A study conducted by Harvard Medical School called the Nurses Health Study found that Tylenol is linked to high blood pressure. The lead author of the study, Dr. John Phillip Forman, explained that he was not suggesting people stop taking drugs like Tylenol to relieve treatment of chronic pain. He simply wanted the public to be aware of the risk.

Contraceptives and Hypertension

• Birth control pills raise blood pressure. Women with hypertension are often prescribed a unique contraceptive pill that is specialized to fit their needs. Women with hypertension are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked before starting any contraceptive. Women must also monitor their blood pressure when taking the contraceptive.

Antihistamines and Decongestants

• Medications for cold and flu also raise blood pressure and should be avoided. Many cold and flu medications are considered non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs fall under two main categories: antihistamines, which are used to prevent hay fever and allergies, and decongestants, which are taken to clear the nasal passages of mucus.

Weight Loss Drugs

• Some weight loss drugs can also trigger hypertension. In March 2008, CBS News reported that a popular weight loss drug called Meridia triggered a raise in systolic blood pressure. The manufacturers of the drug issued a warning to consumers that Meridia was not suitable for individuals with hypertension because it causes an increased heart rate and spike in blood pressure.

Considerations

• Hypertension can have devastating effects on the body, and the condition worsens when medications exacerbate the problem. Individuals with hypertension should monitor their blood pressure while taking any medication that could have harmful side effects. If possible, certain medications should be completely avoided to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. The American Heart Association advised doctors to use non-pharmacological alternatives when treating certain ailments to reduce the probability of hypertension.