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Does Pseudoephedrine Cause A Rise In Blood Pressure?

Posted on Thu, 29 Jun 2017

Question: Hello. How much effect does a dose of psedephedrine have on blood pressure, and how long would the dose effect last at 60 years of age? For example, if I take 2x30mg because of the effect of sinus pressure from cloudy rainy weather, will that dose have an effect on blood pressure for more then one day if that's all I take?
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Side effects of decongestants

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query
Pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure up to 1 Mm hg. The effect is more on systolic blood pressure. Single dose usually doesn't effect much and higher doses and prolonged use can cause further increase. The effect varies from person to person.
The single side effect tapered down in a day.
Any further questions are always welcome.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (3 hours later)

Thank you for your reply, Dr. Aggarwal. Does this mean that taking 2 pseudephedrine tablets twice a week or so for effects on systolic pressure of cloudiness/rainy weather is not really "prolonged" and the effect on blood pressure is not significant since the effect would go away within 24 hours? And would isometric exercise increasing nitric oxide help this? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Side effects of decongestants

Detailed Answer:
Hi
You have rightly understood but still you should keep a watch on your blood pressure and don't take any medicines without prescription. Better to opt for topical medication rather than systemic as they have less side effects.
There is no such effect of exercise on nitric oxide.
You are always welcome with any further questions.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (34 minutes later)

Thank you. I have tried nasal sprays of various types, especially prescription, but they just don't do the "job" as well as Pseudephedrine up toward the maxillary sinuse etc. So I like to go back to it. Anyway, here is an interesting link about nitric oxide and blood pressure: https://www.zona.com/t-how-does-it-work.aspx

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Side effects of decongestants

Detailed Answer:
Hi
You can try a combination of azelastine and fluricasone in nasal spray.
Nitric oxide is a vasodilator and this lowers the blood pressure but during breathing the excess of nitrous is exhaled out maintaining its levels and hence blood pressure.
I hope my opinion helps you.
Thanks and regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana