Claritin and high blood pressure: what to know

Claritin is an antihistamine used for allergy symptoms. Some cold and sinus products also contain a decongestant, which can narrow blood vessels and may raise blood pressure or cause palpitations. The brand name alone does not show whether a product contains one medicine or several. High blood pressure may have no noticeable symptoms, so feeling well does not confirm that a combination product is suitable. Read the active ingredients and tell a pharmacist about your blood-pressure diagnosis and treatment.

Use Claritin only as directed on its label or by a clinician. Avoid adding a decongestant unless a healthcare professional has advised you. Keep taking prescribed blood-pressure medicine as directed and do not use a home reading to change it yourself. For nasal allergy symptoms, ask about saline rinses or a locally acting nasal option. Bring a list of medicines, supplements and recent blood-pressure readings when asking for advice.

Contact a clinician if readings remain higher than your agreed target after starting a new cold or allergy product, or if you develop repeated pounding heartbeat, dizziness or unusual headache. Seek emergency help for chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness, trouble speaking or a sudden severe headache. These symptoms can signal a serious problem such as angina or stroke and should not be attributed to an allergy medicine without assessment.

Does my product contain a decongestant? Is plain Claritin appropriate with my blood-pressure medicines? What can I use for congestion instead? Which reading or symptoms should prompt a call?