Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you suffer from allergies? Are you taking allergy medicine with high blood pressure?
Many people who suffer from allergies also have high blood pressure. This means that you may not only be allergic to pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander, but you might also be sensitive to certain medications used to treat hypertension.
This article will help you understand how these two conditions interact and why you should consider switching your allergy medication to something else.
Allergy Medicines And Hypertension
What Are Different Types Of Allergy Medicines?
When it comes to treating allergies, there are many different types of medicines available. Some of the most common include:
1) Antihistamines – These work by blocking histamine receptors in the body. Histamine is a chemical released during an allergic reaction. It causes swelling, itching, and other symptoms.
2) Epinephrine – This is a drug that mimics adrenaline (epinephrine). It works by causing constriction of the smooth muscles around the bronchial tubes.
3) Corticosteroids – These are anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce inflammation and swelling. They are often prescribed for asthma or hay fever.
4) Immunotherapy – This involves injecting small amounts of allergens into the skin over time. The goal is to build up a tolerance to the allergen so that when the person encounters it again, they don’t react as strongly.
5) Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs) – These block leukotrienes, which cause airway narrowing and mucus production. LTRAs are typically used for seasonal allergies like hay fever.
6) Omalizumab – This is a monoclonal antibody that binds to IgE on mast cells. When this happens, the mast cells release less histamine and fewer inflammatory chemicals.
7) Oral Steroid Therapy – This is another way to reduce inflammation and swelling. It is usually given orally, either as tablets or capsules.
8) Prostaglandin Analogs – These mimic prostaglandins, which are hormones that relax smooth muscle tissue. They are commonly used to treat nasal congestion caused by allergies.
Which Allergy Medications Affect My Blood Pressure?
There are several reasons why you might be taking allergy medicine with high BP. For example, some antihistamines can make you feel sleepy. If you take them at bedtime, you could end up falling asleep while driving. Or if you take them before going to sleep, you could wake up feeling tired.
Other allergy meds can affect your heart rate and blood pressure. For instance, epinephrine can raise your pulse and blood pressure. And corticosteroids can lower both.
If you take any type of allergy medicine, talk to your doctor about whether it affects your blood pressure. He or she can recommend a different one that won’t do that.
Do Allergy Medicines Interact With My Blood Pressure Medication? How Can I Tell Which Ones Are Safe?
Allergies aren’t just annoying. They also put you at risk for other health issues. In fact, allergies are linked to asthma, sinusitis, and other respiratory conditions.
So it makes sense that allergy medicines should help prevent these diseases from developing. However, not every allergy medication works the same way. That means that some allergy drugs can interact with certain types of blood pressure medications.
For example, beta-blockers can increase the effect of epinephrine. So if you take an allergy medicine containing epinephrine, you could end up getting more severe reactions.
Also, some allergy medicines can interfere with how well your body absorbs certain antibiotics. So if you take those along with allergy medicines, you could become very ill.
Some allergy medicines can cause low blood sugar levels. This can happen when you take them with insulin. So if you take insulin, you should avoid taking allergy medicines.
And finally, some allergy medicines can cause muscle tremors. These are called anticholinergic side effects. So if you take allergy medicines that contain this ingredient, you should tell your doctor right away.
It’s important to note that most allergy medicines don’t cause serious interactions with blood pressure medications. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. He or she can advise you on which allergy medicines are safe to combine with your blood pressure medication.
How Do I Switch From One Type Of Allergy Medicine To Another?
The best thing to do is to ask your doctor what he or she recommends. But if you want to try a new allergy medicine without seeing your doctor first, here are some tips:
1) Try a different brand. There are many brands of allergy medicines out there. So even though you might think you know which one you prefer, you might find that you actually like a different one better.
2) Take half the dose. Many allergy medicines come in smaller doses than you would normally use. By using half the normal dose, you can see if you still experience side effects.
3) Use a different route. Sometimes, allergy medicines are administered through injections. Other times, they are taken orally. If you notice that you have trouble sleeping after taking an oral allergy medicine, then you may need to switch to an injection.
4) Talk to your doctor. Some people who take allergy medications report having no problems. Others say that their symptoms get worse. Your doctor will likely give you advice based on your specific situation.
