Can You Take Allergy Medicine With Sinus Medicine

How To Treat Sinus Headache If You Have Both High Blood Pressure And Are Taking Thyroid Medicine

Asked

17 Jan 2015 by Dan2525

SHEsevEN4

Mucinex Cold & Sinus, can cause or raise blood pressure, I take thyroid medicine you could take it with that, I would consult with your Doctor before taking it, there are some over the counter medâs that you can take with high blood pressure, clorcentin is one, I know I didnât spell that right, you could also call the drugstore and ask them Iâm sure they would know what would be best for you to take.

+0yellowlabs

Ask your doc or pharmacist about taking Claritin â itâs okay for HBP, but Iâm not sure about the thyroid.

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Can You Take More Than One Kind Or Allergy Medication

With more than 50 million Americans suffering from some type of allergy, according to Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt, allergy medications make up a high proportion of both prescription and over-the-counter drug sales 2. It’s not only possible but sometimes necessary to take more than one type of allergy medicine at a time, since different categories of allergy medicines accomplish different purposes. However, you should never mix medications without your doctor’s approval, even over-the-counter varieties. Taking two medications with different names but similar effects increases your chance of developing serious side effects.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

The Science Behind Pseudoephedrine

When you have a cold or an allergy attack, your white blood cells gather in your nasal passages and sinuses. This causes nasal membranes to swell and increases mucus production. Pseudoephedrine constricts these blood vessels, which decreases drainage.

But those same constricted vessels might also increase your blood pressure and heart rate.

Pharmacist Kayla Ryan explains the mechanism of pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is chemically similar to adrenaline, so the body recognizes it as adrenaline, causing the blood pressure and heart rate to increase.

She refers to one of the last major studies of the effects of pseudoephedrine on blood pressure, which took place in 2005. This study found that pseudoephedrine increased systolic blood pressure by one point on average, while heart rate increased by an average of three beats per minute.

Ryan adds that the immediate-release products had a greater impact on heart rate and blood pressure than their 12 hour or 24 hour extended-release counterparts, which showed a smaller increase in blood pressure.

In 2005, the FDA passed the Combat Methamphetamine Act, which requires pharmacies to sell all medications containing pseudoephedrine behind the counter. At your local drugstore, youll find cards in the cold and flu aisle with information for these medications. You can take the card to the pharmacist, who is required to scan your drivers license before purchase.

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Tips For Choosing Suitable Medications

When at the pharmacy, a person should look for medications that do not contain decongestants or NSAIDs other than aspirin. A person should read the product label carefully and look at the active ingredients list. This is where drug manufacturers typically list the drugs and their effects.

A person should also avoid medications that are high in sodium. These ingredients can also increase a persons blood pressure.

Some medications, such as NSAIDs, have warning labels on the packaging. The warning is about how the medication may increase a persons blood pressure. People with hypertension or heart disease should avoid any medications that have this label.

Finally, if a person is not sure, they can ask the pharmacist or their doctor. They should mention any conditions they have, such as hypertension or heart disease, as well as any medications they are taking. The pharmacist or doctor will then outline which medications are safe for the person to take.

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Research On Antihistamines For Colds

What healthcare providers have learned over the years is that antihistamines seem to work for some people when they have colds, but not everyone. Research has long been mixed as to the effectiveness, as well.

It’s possible that some symptomssuch as a runny noseare caused by responses in the body that aren’t related to histamine production, so antihistamines have no effect. It’s also possible that some people just respond better to the medications than others.

Here’s what contemporary research says about antihistamines as cold remedies:

• A 2012 review of available research states that antihistamines are ineffective at relieving cold symptoms.
• A 2015 review says antihistamines have a limited beneficial effect on the severity of cold symptoms for the first two days of a cold, but no benefit beyond that, and no significant effect on congestion, runny nose, or sneezing.
• A 2019 study says that decongestants with or without antihistamines appear to be effective in adults with colds.

Something studies do generally agree on, though, is that antihistamines are safe for adults. If you want to see how these drugs impact your cold symptoms, it’s likely safe for you to do so, especially if you already take an antihistamine for allergies.

Numerous studies say there’s no evidence that antihistamines help relieve cold symptoms in children and point out that side effects are possible, so the risks outweigh any potential benefits.

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Types Of Sinus Medicines

The combination of sinus infection medicine is used for the temporary treatment for the symptoms of sinus like flu, cold, allergies, and other breathing problems.

The Decongestants medicines are helping you to relieve a stuffy nose. Stuffy nose is the most irritating problem triggered by the inflammation in the blood vessels of the sinus. Due to the acute upper respiratory infection, the blood vessels can be disturbed because of cold and sinus infection. Decongestants medicine is helping to relieve this problem.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen medicines are the most commonly used sinus medicine it is a non-aspirin pain reliever and the fever reducer, which helps to reduce the pain.

Antihistamines

The Antihistamines medicines are designed for resisting the action of histamine this is one of the chemicals that is generated in the body for allergic reactions like itches in eyes, nose, throat, and watery eye and running nose problem. Also, these medicines help to reduce nasal stuffiness and mucus production. If you have any allergies due to the sinus, your healthcare provider refers to add this medicine for your treatment.

Antibiotic

Sometimes your healthcare provider will collect the mucus from the nose and send it to the laboratory to check the bacteria infection. This test will also help to choose the antibiotic for bacteria infections. Using antibiotics leads to bacterial resistance and side effects, so you have to use the antibiotics carefully and thoughtfully.

What Antihistamine Is Right For You

You can buy many different brands and forms of antihistamines without a prescription.

• Some work for only 4 to 6 hours, while others last for 12 to 24 hours.
• Some are combined with a decongestant, a drug that dries up your nasal passages.

Ask your health care provider what type of antihistamine and what exact dosage is right for you or your child. Make sure you understand how much to use and how many times a day to use it. Be sure to read the label carefully. Or ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

• Some antihistamines cause less sleepiness than others. These include cetirizine , desloratadine , fexofenadine , and loratadine .
• Do not drink alcohol when you are taking antihistamines.

Also, remember:

• Store antihistamines at room temperature, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
• Do not freeze antihistamines.
• Keep all medicines where children cannot reach them.

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Add A Nasal Steroid Spray

Antihistamines can relieve the mild congestion that comes along with most bouts of allergies, but some people may experience more severe congestion. If this sounds like you, Dr. Hays recommends using a nasal steroid spray in addition to taking an antihistamine.

Until recently, nasal steroid sprays were offered only by prescription. Now, there are a few you can buy over-the-counter, including:

• Budesonide
• Triamcinolone

“Nasal steroid sprays won’t help with all of your allergy symptoms, such as itchy and watery eyes, but they do help with nasal congestion, post-nasal drip and scratchy throat,” Dr. Hays explains.

Just like antihistamines, Dr. Hays says that nasal steroid sprays need to be used every day to be effective. The good news is that they’re also generally safe and well-tolerated.

“However, unlike antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays don’t provide quick relief from allergy symptoms,” Dr. Hays says. “It can take a few days for a nasal steroid spray to take effect.”

What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Cetirizine And Pseudoephedrine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cetirizine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma

• an enlarged prostate or
• problems with urination.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether cetirizine and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctors advice if you are pregnant.

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without a doctors advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from cetirizine and pseudoephedrine.

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What Is Acetaminophen And Why We Eliminate It Too

It can be unbearable to suffer from allergic symptoms, and it is natural to want to relieve yourself of pain and fever. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, used for treating many conditions such as sinus, headache, backache, toothache and fever. It comes with side effects:

• Swelling of the tongue or lips
• Nausea
• Difficulty with breathing
• Serious skin reactions. Between 1969 and 2012, the Food and Drug Administration found that 67 people required hospitalization of which 12 died after skin reactions were reported after taking acetaminophen products. This comes from documented medical literature. One of the skin reactions linked to acetaminophen included Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis . You start with flu-like symptoms such as headache, aches and fever and progress to a blister-like rash. The skin starts peeling and the hair starts falling out. This skin reaction is often fatal.

There are different brands and forms of acetaminophen available, but all labeling warns you not to take more than is recommended. It can damage your liver, more so if you drink alcohol with it.

What Is The Best Allergy Medication

The best choice of allergy medication is one which relieves symptoms without interfering with everyday tasks. Many allergy sufferers are finding that the newer, non-sedating antihistamines meet both these important parameters. It’s also important to find an allergy medication that can safely be used for the long term, since for many, allergies last an entire season if not the entire year. And finally, allergy medications should minimally react with other medications.

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Allergies Vs Sinus Infection

Allergies can develop at any point in your life. While allergies tend to come up during childhood, its possible to develop allergies to new substances as an adult.

This type of reaction is caused by a negative response to a substance. Your immune system responds by releasing a chemical called histamine, which can then cause symptoms such as headache, sneezing, and congestion. Its also possible to feel foggy and develop a skin rash.

Severe allergies can lead to a cold-like condition called allergic rhinitis. With allergic rhinitis, you can have the above symptoms as well as itchy eyes. This itchiness is one of the key distinguishing factors between allergies and sinusitis.

A sinus infection, on the other hand, occurs when your nasal passages become inflamed. Sinusitis is most often caused by viruses. When the nasal cavity gets inflamed, mucus builds up and gets stuck, further compounding the problem.

Along with nasal congestion and headache, sinusitis causes pain around your cheeks and eyes. Sinus infections also cause thick, discolored mucus, and bad breath.

Compare the following symptoms to see if you have allergies or a possible sinus infection. Its also possible to have both conditions at the same time.

Allergy Medication Side Effects

Older antihistamines are associated with drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, upset stomach, blurry vision, a dry mouth/nose and throat, and difficulty urinating. The newer antihistamines are usually well tolerated but can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and stomach problems.

Nasal corticosteroids can cause nasal dryness or irritation, nosebleed, throat irritation, headache, nausea, vomiting, cough, and fungal infections of the throat with long-term use.

Mast cell stabilizers can cause a short-lived stinging sensation inside the nose.

Leukotriene inhibitors are associated with unusual weakness, upset stomach, earache, dizziness, cough, headache, trouble sleeping. Serious but unlikely side effects include flu-like symptoms.

Nasal decongestants may cause a temporary burning, stinging, or dryness in the nose, a runny nose, and sneezing. Oral decongestants may cause dizziness, headache, nervousness, fast heartbeat, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, and sleep problems.

Nasal anticholinergics can cause a bloody or dry nose, nasal congestion, dry mouth and irritated throat, bad taste in the mouth, dizziness, and nausea.

Topical corticosteroids for skin allergies can cause burning, itching, redness, and changes to skin color and thinning of skin.

Topical immunomodulators for skin allergies may cause stinging, burning, irritation, and itching at the application site. They may also cause headache and flu symptoms.

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Be Smart Be Aware Of Allergy Medication Side Effects

Smart use of allergy medications knowing how they treat symptoms, being aware of potential unwanted side effects and, most important, monitoring their effect on you and your health is just one step toward controlling allergy and cold symptoms. Even more important: knowing what you are allergic to and taking steps to prevent or reduce exposure.

If your allergy symptoms tend to last longer than two weeks or are not adequately controlled with over-the-counter medications, schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist for a full diagnosis.

Antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are intended for symptom relief. If antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids are causing side effects such as drowsiness or other problems, there are other treatment options your doctor can offer you, such as allergen immunotherapy.

Reviewed by Dennis Williams, PharmD

8229 Boone Blvd, Suite 260, Vienna, VA 22182

Allergy Injections Or Immunotherapy

The aim of immunotherapy is to build up immunity to an allergen by introducing small amounts of it into the body over time through injections or by placing small amounts under the tongue. Some people find that this helps reduce their allergic reactions. It may also help end an allergy or stop minor reactions from becoming severe.

A person may need an injection once a week for around 7 months, then every 2 weeks. As the persons immunity increases, they may then need a shot only once every 4 weeks. The treatment may need to continue for 35 years.

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Fda Cough And Cold Medicine Warnings

The FDA issued a public health advisory about childrens cold medicines saying that questions have been raised about the safety of these products and whether the benefits justify any potential risks from the use of these products in children, especially in children under 2 years of age.

Keep in mind that according to the FDA, most problems with cold medicines occur when more than the recommended amount is used, if it is given too often, or if more than one cough and cold medicine containing the same active ingredient are being used.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, which represents the companies that make most cold medicines, expanded the cold medicine warning to older children too. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines now include a warning that they should not be used in children under age four.

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend over-the-counter cough or cold medications for children under age 6.

What Other Drugs Will Affect Sinus & Allergy Pe

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking Sinus & Allergy PE with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

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Medications To Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is best understood as the force of blood pressing against the walls of your arteries. A person can be diagnosed with high blood pressure, also called hypertension, when their blood pressure is consistently greater than 140/90 mm Hg.

When a persons blood pressure is too high, their hearts need to work harder which can cause serious damage to the arteries. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

Some medications can increase your blood pressure, so its important to be aware of which medications to avoid if your blood pressure is already elevated. If you are unsure of whether a medication might impact your current blood pressure state, your physician or pharmacist are the first resources you should consult. Often, they will be able to recommend an alternative product that will not affect your blood pressure.

Oral Nasal Decongestants

Oral nasal decongestants like Sudafed and Sudafed PE can increase blood pressure by elevating your heart rate and causing blood vessels to narrow, also known as vasoconstriction. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephedrine can also be found in many cold, cough and flu combination products. If you suffer from cold, cough or flu symptoms, try Coricidin HBP products.

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