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Heart Health

What should I know about taking Sudafed if I have high blood pressure?

Ask the doctor

June 25, 2026

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A senior man sitting at a table in his home is about to put a tablet in his mouth; there is a glass of water on the table and a blood pressure cuff.

Q. Can Sudafed increase blood pressure?

A. The active ingredient in Sudafed is pseudoephedrine, which can increase blood pressure. People with high blood pressure (hypertension) should avoid pseudoephedrine unless it is recommended by a medical professional. For people who do not have high blood pressure, the increase in blood pressure from taking pseudoephedrine is minor and temporary.

Keep in mind that pseudoephedrine can be an ingredient in nonprescription products for treating colds and allergy symptoms. Today, products that contain pseudoephedrine are stored behind pharmacists' counters. Still, people with high blood pressure need to read product labels carefully to make sure they avoid "hidden" pseudoephedrine.

If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, talk to your doctor before taking Sudafed or any product containing pseudoephedrine.

Image: © AleksandarGeorgiev/Getty Images

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