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Can antihypertensive drugs and cold medicine be taken together?

Jul 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, whether antihypertensive medications and cold medicines can be taken together depends on the specific ingredients of the drugs. Some combinations may carry risks, so it is recommended to take them at different times and consult a physician. Before use, check the ingredients of the cold medicine to avoid formulations containing pseudoephedrine or licorice. Hypertensive patients with a cold should monitor their blood pressure closely; if fluctuations or discomfort occur, they should promptly consult a doctor to adjust their medication regimen.

Generally speaking, whether antihypertensive drugs and cold medicines can be taken together depends on the ingredients of the medications. Some combinations pose risks, so taking them at separate times and consulting a physician is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the cold medicine contains pseudoephedrine or licorice, it is generally not advisable to take them together. Pseudoephedrine can constrict blood vessels and elevate blood pressure, potentially counteracting the effects of antihypertensive medications such as nifedipine tablets or enalapril maleate tablets, increasing the burden on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. This risk is especially higher for individuals with poorly controlled hypertension. Glycyrrhizinic acid can cause sodium and water retention, raising blood pressure. When used with diuretics such as losartan potassium hydrochlorothiazide tablets, it may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects.

Cold medicines without pseudoephedrine or licorice, such as simple antipyretic analgesics like acetaminophen, generally do not have significant interactions with most antihypertensive drugs, including calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors. However, it is still recommended to take them 1–2 hours apart to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

Before taking cold medications, check their ingredients carefully to avoid formulations containing pseudoephedrine or licorice. Hypertensive patients should monitor their blood pressure during a cold, and if fluctuations or discomfort occur, consult a doctor promptly to adjust the medication regimen.

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