Heart Health

Over-the-counter drugs that can boost blood pressure

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
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If you have high blood pressure, take care when choosing products for treating cold and flu symptoms or pain.

As winter arrives and the cold and flu season starts to peak, many people head to pharmacies looking for products to ease their sniffles and aches. Remedies for cold, allergy, and sinus problems are the most frequently purchased category of over-the-counter drugs in this country. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also very popular — and frequently found in combination cold and flu medicines. But some of these products may be risky for people with high blood pressure. Here’s some guidance about what to avoid and suggestions for safer alternatives.

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About the Author

photo of Julie Corliss

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

Julie Corliss is the executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter. Before working at Harvard, she was a medical writer and editor at HealthNews, a consumer newsletter affiliated with The New England Journal of Medicine. She … See Full Bio
View all posts by Julie Corliss
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