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Decongestant alternatives?

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Posted 7/24/2007 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everybody!I am assuming that at least a handful of you can not take decongestants because of heart meds,& I was wondering if anyone has any advice or tips that you can share.I have a horrible sinus infection/head cold with some chest congestion,& I don't feel like I can ride it out this time.I've  been sick since saturday & have tried breathing steam & vapor rub w/no luck.I even broke down last night & took a dose of my daughters Dimetap,but it didn't help much either.

Sorry to complain about something so minor compared to cardio trouble.I am just completely miserable at this point. sad              

   

Posted 7/25/2007 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jennifer, I'm usually on the diabetes forum but your message caught my eye.  Since I take medication for high blood pressure, I can't use most decongestants, so a product that has worked pretty well for me is Mucinex, which is 600 mg guaifenesin.  Previously, doctors would prescribe guaifenesin when I had sinus infections and now it seems that you can get it over the counter.  There are generics too (many store brands) but I found that they don't have the dosage up to 600 mg which is really effective for me.  Check with your doctor to see if you can take this.  I realize you may have different restrictions than me but it may work for you.  I hope you feel better.

Lanie

Posted 7/26/2007 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lanie!Thank you so much for your reply.I can use the mucinex.I've had good results from it w/chest congestion,but not much luck w/the sinuses.Perhaps I am not taking it long enough to give it a chance.I am not sure why ,but mucinex makes me extremely drowsy.I tend to not want to use it too much because of my toddler daughter.I am always afraid that she will need me & I won't wake up easily enough.However,after reading your reply yesterday,I used my daughters mucinex for kids.I didn't get drowsy,&I feel much better today.I guess that I might stick to the kids version.

Thanks again for the advice.Best wishes!
Posted 7/26/2007 7:38 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Jennifer, I'm glad you're better today.  I know it's hard dealing with sickness and being limited with the medicine to take because of my blood pressure.  Most of the cold meds drive the BP up, especially the decongestants and that's why I have to use the Mucinex (or generic guaifenesin).  Anyway, I'm glad you found a dosage that works.  I've been there.  Hope you continue to feel better.

Lanie

Posted 8/7/2007 9:42 AM (GMT 0)
I went through this a few years ago. the best thing i found was Nasalcrom (cromolyn sodium)
It has no known drug interactions
Is safe for people taking BP meds
And is OTC
It is not a decongestant, It is a histamine blocker.
But works better then most decongestants

I had hayfever for over 40 years and have not had a problem with it in over 5 years after starting using Nasalcrom.
Posted 8/7/2007 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
One I haven't tried so thanks for the info.  
Posted 8/13/2007 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Coricidin HBP (High Blood Pressure). I am on BP meds and my pharmacist sez this is safe for me to take. They have 3-4 varieties; alergy, sinus, severe cold, cough etc. All are decongestant free.
Posted 6/3/2008 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Sinupret you can google it. Mu husband has taken it for years, all herbal. I have started taking it since I have SVT and can not take Sudaphed, it works even better
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