Does Benadryl Raise Blood Pressure

Managing A Cold With Hypertension

If you cant take a decongestant because of high blood pressure, there are other ways to reduce your cold or allergy symptoms:

• Take Coricidin HBP, which is free of decongestants

• Drink plenty of fluids including water, juice, tea and soup to prevent dehydration and clear mucus from your lungs

• Take a pain reliever such as Tylenol or Motrin for fever, sore throat, body aches and headache

• Flush your sinuses with a saline spray to relieve nasal congestion

• Soothe a sore or scratchy throat with lozenges

• Use a vaporizer or humidifier if necessary to boost humidity

• Get plenty of rest

• Return to your doctor after five to seven days to make sure youre on the road to recovery

How To Cope With Side Effects Of Diphenhydramine

What to do about:

• feeling sleepy, or drowsy, during the daytime â drowsiness usually wears off 8 hours after a dose. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you’re feeling this way.
• dry mouth â chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.
• feeling dizzy or unsteady on your feet, or difficulty concentrating â if diphenhydramine makes you feel this way, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. If the feeling does not go away or is worrying you, do not take any more medicine and speak to a pharmacist or your doctor.

Your Primary Care Provider Is The Best Source Of Advice

The information outlined above is general advice only. Your medical history may make an over-the-counter or prescription drug thats generally safe for people with hypertension less than ideal for you. Only your primary care provider, armed with your medical history, can provide you with individual guidance on what drugs you should take and which you should avoid if you have high blood pressure. Always consult with your physician before you start any new over-the-counter medication or dietary supplement.

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Are Nasal Sprays Harmful For People With Hypertension

Nasal sprays are actually an option that is less impactful to use on the rest of your body. Nasal sprays act directly on the nose’s blood vessels and have less impact anywhere else in the body.

If your allergy symptoms include nasal congestion, here are some options that are generally safe to use as decongestants:

• steroid nasal sprays , Nasacort, and Rhinocort )
• antihistamine nasal sprays and Patanase )
• saline nasal sprays or rinses, such as Ayr, Ocean, SimplySaline, or Neti Pot

Signs You Might Notice In Yourself Include:

• Using more than the intended dose
• Using to mask unpleasant feelings
• Using more than you intended
• Needing more to achieve the same effects
• Needing the drug to feel normal
• Using despite consequences like health problems.

You may also notice signs of diphenhydramine in a friend or family member.

• Struggling at work or in school
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Isolation

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How Should I Take Benadryl

Use Benadryl exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold or allergy medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

You should not use Benadryl to make a child sleepy.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

For motion sickness, take Benadryl 30 minutes before you will be in a situation that causes you motion sickness . Continue taking Benadryl with meals and at bedtime for the rest of the time you will be in a motion-sickness situation.

As a sleep aid, take Benadryl within 30 minutes before bedtime.

This medication can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Benadryl.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What Should You Do If You Have Heart Palpitations

If you begin to experience chest pains or tightness, you should seek medical attention. Heart palpitations could be a symptom of a serious heart-related condition. You shouldnt ignore them.

Learn about your family history. If you have a family member that has had any type of heart disease, this increases your risk of having a heart attack.

Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, call 911 or go to the emergency room if you feel sudden, intense heart palpitations. This is especially true if theyre accompanied by:

• shortness of breath

• Give you a physical exam
• Take down your medical history
• Want to know about your current medications, diet, and lifestyle
• Ask for specifics about when, how often, and under what circumstances your palpitations occur

Sometimes, a blood test can help your doctor find the cause of your palpitations. Other useful tests include:

Electrocardiogram: This can be done while youâre at rest or exercising. The latter is called a stress EKG. In both cases, the test records your hearts electrical signals and can find unusual heart rhythms.

Holter monitoring: Youâll wear a monitor on your chest. It continuously records your hearts electrical signals for 24 to 48 hours. It can identify rhythm differences that werent picked up during an EKG.

Event recording: Youâll wear a device on your chest and use a handheld gadget to record your hearts electrical signals when symptoms occur.

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Allergy Medication And Hypertension

Some allergy medicines can affect your blood pressure or interact with your blood pressure medication. Dont fret! There are safe options out there for treating your allergy symptoms relative to your high blood pressure and we will review them here.

While most antihistamines are generally safe to take with your blood pressure medication, we want you to keep in mind the following drug interactions if you are taking medicines for your blood pressure:

• Fexofenadine and Carvedilol : This may increase the side effects of fexofenadine. You may want to use fexofenadine cautiously if you are taking carvedilol.
• Cetirizine and levocetirizine : If either of these drugs is combined with methyldopa , you may experience increased drowsiness.
• Diphenhydramine : Make sure to talk with your doctor before taking any diphenhydramine products because any product containing itmay counteract the effects of some blood pressure medications.

Second-generation antihistamines that are not combined with decongestants are generally safe to use if you arenot taking the blood pressure medicines listed in the section above. The same goes for intranasal corticosteroids. Second-generation antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids include the following:

• Zyrtec
• Nasonex
• Rhinocort

Antihistamine eye drops, such as Pataday and Zaditor , are also safe options for itchy and watery eyes.

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How To Prevent Heat Intolerance

Prevention is always the best treatment. If you are on any of the medications known to increase the risk of heat intolerance, take extra precautions before you head outdoors:

• Carry water with you and drink it regularly to stay hydrated.
• Wear a hat to keep excess sun off of your body.
• Avoid spending prolonged periods outdoors during the heat of the day.
• Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing.
• Avoid exerting yourself too much when its hot.

When in doubt, drink a glass of water and sit down for a minute indoors. If your symptoms dont subside quickly, it may be time to seek medical treatment. Be sure to keep a list of medications you are currently taking handy so that your treating physician can respond appropriately.

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How To Take Or Use It

You can take diphenhydramine tablets and liquid with or without food.

How to take diphenhydramine tablets

Always take your diphenhydramine tablets with a drink of water. Swallow them whole. Do not chew them.

How to take diphenhydramine liquid

Liquid medicines containing diphenhydramine come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

How to use diphenhydramine cream

With the cream, put a small amount onto the affected area and smooth it in gently. Do not use it on large areas of skin. Keep the cream away from your eyes, mouth and nose. Remember to wash your hands afterwards, unless you’re treating your hands.

Zyrtec & Cardiac Side Effects

Histamine is a substance produced by the body in response to allergic reactions that triggers immune response symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Antihistamines are a class of drugs that block the action of histamine and reduce these symptoms. Older antihistamines had many side effects such as severe drowsiness. Newer antihistamines, called selective H1-receptor antagonists, do not cross into the brain and have fewer side effects. In 2007, the FDA approved Zyrtec, or cetirizine, as an over-the-counter drug to treat allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, a skin condition characterized by recurrent hives 2.

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

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Who May Not Be Able To Take Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine or any other medicine
• have lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , or an illness that creates a lot of phlegm
• have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma
• have a blockage in your stomach or gut
• have kidney or liver problems
• have problems peeing or emptying your bladder
• have epilepsy or any other health problem that causes fits
• are due to have an allergy test â diphenhydramine can affect your results, so you may need to stop taking it a few days before your test â ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice
• are unable to have any alcohol â some liquid diphenhydramine products contain a small amount of alcohol, so check the ingredients and the packaging carefully

Can You Take Benadryl And Cetirizine Together

Benadryl should not be taken at the same time as cetirizine because it can increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly or children, may also find their thinking, judgement, and coordination impaired. You should also not drink alcohol while taking either of these medications because it can make these side effects worse.

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Gerd Can Cause A Burning Feeling In The Chest

• Frequently Asked Questions

Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, is a condition that impacts the stomach and the esophagus.

The stomach is full of acidic fluid that helps break down food contents. Sometimes the acidic fluid in the stomach refluxes, or moves back up into the esophagus. This can cause burning and irritation in the esophagus, a pain very similar to when you get a hot liquid on your skin and it burns.

The burning sensation with GERD is commonly also known as heartburn since the irritation in the esophagus can cause a burning discomfort in the chest. The term heartburn is a bit exaggerated since the heart is not actually impacted at all by GERD. However, the heart and the esophagus sit next to each other in the chest, and it can feel as though the heart is involved when it is truly just the esophagus.

In most cases, the pain from GERD is most noticeable after a meal. This is because after you eat, the stomach begins to churn and to release acids that work to break down the food you just ate. Certain treatments and medications can help reduce symptoms of GERD and provide relief.

This article discusses GERD and the sensation of heart palpitations in more detail.

Why Is This Medication Prescribed

Diphenhydramine is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes sneezing and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation. Diphenhydramine is also used to prevent and treat motion sickness, and to treat insomnia . Diphenhydramine is also used to control abnormal movements in people who have early stage parkinsonian syndrome or who are experiencing movement problems as a side effect of a medication.

Diphenhydramine will relieve the symptoms of these conditions but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Diphenhydramine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children. Diphenhydramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

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Can I Compare Prescription Prices Before Filling My Allergy Medicine

The majority of allergy medications are now available over the counter. This means that many insurance plans no longer cover your allergy medicine. If your insurance does not cover your medication, you can use a prescription savings card to get the lowest prescription price. You can save up to 80% or more off the retail price by using the ScriptSave® WellRx discount card at a pharmacy near you.

Rosanna Sutherby is a freelance medical writer who has been a practicing pharmacist in her community for close to 20 years. She obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She utilizes her clinical training in the pharmacy, where she helps patients manage disease states such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and many others. Dr. Sutherby reviews and recommends drug regimens based on patients concurrent conditions and potential drug interactions.

What Allergy Medicines Can I Safely Take If I Have Heart Disease Or High Blood Pressure

Oklahoma Heart Institute Director of Interventional Laboratories, Dr. Wayne Leimbach, shares insights on allergies, heart disease and high blood pressure on our blog today.

Springtime brings not only beautiful weather and beautiful flowers, but it also brings high pollen counts and suffering to people with allergies. Many people often ask what allergy medicines can I safely take if I have heart disease or high blood pressure. Many allergy medications include decongestants that can raise blood pressure, create palpitations and interfere with some other heart medications.

Medications that often can be safely used by people with significant allergies include nasal corticosteroids. In addition, antihistamines are very effective. The antihistamines include fexofenadine , cetirizine , loratadine and diphenhydramine .

Often manufactures will include a decongestant with the antihistamines in order to provide additional control of the runny nose often seen with allergies. Manufacturers will often indicate which of the antihistamines also contain a decongestant by adding the letter D to the name of the medicine. These decongestants can be phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline.

Therefore, advertised medicines such as Allegra, Zyrtec, or Claritin should be safe for most patients with heart disease and allergies however, Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D, Claritin-D could cause problems for patients with allergies and heart disease.

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Cautions With Other Medicines

Some medicines can affect the way diphenhydramine works, and increase the chances of you having side effects. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you’re taking:

• antidepressants, such as venlafaxine or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as phenelzine
• metoprolol, a heart medicine
• any medicine that makes you drowsy, gives you a dry mouth, or makes it difficult for you to pee â taking diphenhydramine might make these side effects worse

If you’re taking a cough or cold remedy or a painkiller containing diphenhydramine, check carefully what the other ingredients are. For example, check whether it contains paracetamol. Ask your pharmacist for advice before you take this medicine together with any other painkillers or medicines.

Can I Get It As Otc Or Do I Have To Get A Prescription

OTC drugs are over-the-counter drugs that are commercially available and prescribed is that the doctor has specially prescribed you after a complete examination. Naproxen is available on both Over counter as well as prescription.

People who have special heart conditions and allergies are usually done through medication because generally, it is available OTC, so people can overdose on it and pose serious issues. OTC can be a better option to treat pain for some time.

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How And When To Take Or Use Diphenhydramine

If you or your child have been prescribed diphenhydramine, follow your doctor’s instructions about how and when to take it.

Only take or use diphenhydramine when you need it, for example if you’re unable to sleep because you’re worrying about something or your cold symptoms are keeping you awake.

If you’ve bought diphenhydramine or any medicine containing diphenhydramine from a pharmacy, follow the instructions that come with the packet, or ask a pharmacist for advice.

The instructions will be different depending on the type of medicine you buy, and the other medicines it’s mixed with.

What Other Treatments Can I Try For Allergies

If you are concerned about side effects or drug interactions, there are alternative treatments.

Allergy sprays can be an effective treatment option. Nasal corticosteroids are safe for daily use, and dont cause systemic side effects or interactions that daily pills can.

Certain supplements may alleviate symptoms. Research suggests quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived from plant sources, helps inhibit histamine release. works best when started 2-3 weeks prior to allergy season. Continue to take it throughout the season, says , a holistic health practitioner and naturologist. Vitamin C, bromelain, butterbur, and apple cider vinegar may also help to boost your immune system so it can better respond to allergens.

Lifestyle changes such as reducing your exposure to allergy triggers or using a HEPA air filter can help to reduce your reaction during peak allergy season.

• Erectile Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a common condition in the United States. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that 8 to 10 percent of Americans in all age groups have hay fever. Moreover, the incidence of allergies appears to be increasing. If you have hay fever and you are like most allergy sufferers, youve probably used over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve your symptoms. However, if you also have high blood pressure, you may want to avoid taking some allergy medications.

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