What should you know about high blood pressure medication over the counter?

Products sold for pain, colds, blocked noses, energy, weight loss or herbal support can affect blood pressure, fluid balance or the way prescribed medicines work. A product labelled natural is not automatically suitable, and supplements may have variable ingredients. High blood pressure often causes no warning symptoms, so treating a headache or another feeling does not show that pressure is controlled. A pharmacist or clinician can check the full product list, your conditions and your current treatment for interactions. Do not use someone else's tablets or buy a prescription medicine through an unverified source.

If you have a high reading, sit quietly and repeat it as advised rather than taking an extra non-prescription product. Keep a record of readings, symptoms and anything taken that day. Before buying a painkiller, decongestant, supplement or herbal remedy, show the packaging to a pharmacist and mention pregnancy, kidney disease, heart problems and all regular medicines. Continue prescribed treatment unless your clinician changes it. Ask whether home readings or Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring would clarify the pattern. Managing Hypertension also includes the lifestyle measures recommended for you.

Seek emergency help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, new confusion or a sudden severe headache. These can indicate Stroke or Angina. Contact a clinician promptly after a new product if you develop facial swelling, severe dizziness, palpitations, confusion or very little urine. Do not wait for a non-prescription remedy to take effect when red-flag symptoms are present.

Ask which non-prescription products you should avoid, whether a particular pain or cold remedy is compatible with your treatment, and what reading or symptom should trigger a call. Ask how to measure correctly and when your plan should be reviewed.