A pharmacist has warned that popular blocked-nose remedies such as Sudafed could raise blood pressure, urging people with hypertension to avoid them. Dr Ethan Melillo, who has more than 680,000 followers on TikTok, said products containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine should not be taken by those with high blood pressure.
Decongestant warning
In a video posted to his account, Dr Melillo said: "If you have high blood pressure, you should not be taking Sudafed, you should not be taking anything with pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine." He added: "These medications will actually increase your blood pressure, so you want to avoid them."
According to the NHS, pseudoephedrine is a decongestant used to relieve a blocked nose caused by colds, flu, allergies and sinus infections. However, the health service advises people with high blood pressure to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
Regulator guidance
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a stronger warning for certain patients, stating that pseudoephedrine must not be taken by people with very high blood pressure or hypertension that is not controlled by medication. The regulator also says it should not be used by people with severe kidney disease or kidney failure.
Anyone taking medication for hypertension should check with a pharmacist before buying a cold or flu remedy, as combination products can contain more than one active ingredient.
Alternatives and advice
Dr Melillo also recommended saline nasal spray as an alternative for nasal congestion. NHS guidance lists salt-water nasal sprays and solutions as options that can help with blocked-nose symptoms, including those linked to allergic rhinitis. Saline products use a salt-water solution to clear the nose rather than relying on a drug such as pseudoephedrine.
Dr Melillo criticised products containing quercetin as an alternative, questioning whether they actually relieve congestion. He also mentioned chlorphenamine, an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness; the NHS says people taking it should not drive or use machinery if they feel sleepy or dizzy.
Anyone unsure which blocked-nose treatment is appropriate should speak to a pharmacist, especially if they have high blood pressure or take regular medication.
