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High Blood Pressure: Over-the-Counter Medicines to Avoid

Table of Contents


Overview

Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can raise your blood pressure or keep your blood pressure medicine from working the way it should. So if you have high blood pressure or other heart or blood vessel problems, you need to be careful with OTC medicines. That includes vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can suggest OTC medicines that are safe for you.

Some common types of OTC medicines you may need to avoid include:

How can you know if it's safe to take an over-the-counter medicine?

Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before you take any new OTC medicine or supplement. He or she can:

It's also important to make a list of all the medicines you take. Bring it to each appointment, and ask your doctor to review it. Be sure to include all your prescription medicines, OTC medicines, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.


Credits for High Blood Pressure: Over-the-Counter Medicines to Avoid

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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