Mucinex fast max safe for high blood pressure

Published Aug 11, 2022
Last updated Aug 11, 2022

Key points

  • Mucinex (guaifenesin) does not raise blood pressure and is safe to use if you have been diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure).

Answer

Hello and thanks for reaching out to us Daphne!

It's always a good idea to look into whether or not over-the-counter medication can interact with the prescription drugs you are taking and double-check that they won't negatively affect any disease state you have, like high blood pressure.

There are a number of over-the-counter meds that can affect blood pressure, like the nasal decongestant Sudafed, but fortunately, Mucinex (guaifenesin) isn't one of them. It is perfectly safe to take if you have high blood pressure and won't raise it.

What Are The Side Effects Of Mucinex?

Mucinex is very well-tolerated and side effects are generally mild if they happen at all. They occur only rarely.

Nevertheless, the following side effects have been reported with Mucinex:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Kidney stones (has only been reported with high doses for long periods of time)

As mentioned in the section above, Mucinex does not affect blood pressure.

Final Words

I want to point out that this answer only refers to Mucinex which contains the single ingredient guaifenesin. There are a number of Mucinex products on the market, many with several ingredients (e.g. Mucinex FastMax). Those products may contain an ingredient that affects blood pressure, so be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist about those.

What Is Mucinex?

Guaifenesin is used to relieve chest congestion. It may help control symptoms but does not treat the cause of symptoms or speed recovery.

Guaifenesin is in a class of medications called expectorants. It works by thinning the mucus in the air passages to make it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways.

References

  • Guaifenesin Monograph, PubChem
  • Role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections, PubMed

  • Mucinex fast max safe for high blood pressure
    Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
  • 2 months ago
  • 2851 views

As cold and flu season rages on, health experts are warning people with high blood pressure to think twice before popping or pouring over-the-counter medications to relieve their symptoms.

Decongestants, a common ingredient in cold and flu drugs, constrict blood vessels to help relieve congestion. And constricted blood vessels can temporarily raise blood pressure levels and reduce blood flow in people with poor circulation. Decongestants may also interfere with the effectiveness of prescribed blood pressure medication, the American Heart Association says.

"It's kind of a general thing that blood vessel constrictors are not a good idea for people with high blood pressure,” Sandra J. Taler, a professor of medicine and physician in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at the Mayo Clinic, cautions. “And probably a lot of people don't know that.”

Oftentimes, however, it's not obvious what pills and syrups contain decongestants. If pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are listed as ingredients, the medicine contains a decongestant, Taler says. The letters “CF” or “D” on the box or bottle is another signal that a decongestant is present, she adds.

People with high blood pressure should also be cautious of cold medicine combinations containing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs); Advil Cold & Sinus is one example. NSAIDs can counteract the effectiveness of high blood pressure medications, Taler explains.

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What to take if you have high blood pressure

So what can you turn to? Taler points to guaifenesin (Mucinex) as an option if you need to thin and clear mucus. And dextromethorphan (Robitussin) can be used to suppress coughs. Even with these, be sure to avoid the “CF” and “D” varieties. Some drug manufacturers also make cold medicines specifically for people with high blood pressure; these are usually marked with “HBP” on the package.

But Ian K. Smith, a physician and wellness author, suggests that with all the combination therapies and confusing trade and generic names, it's a good idea to make a quick call to your doctor's office, to make sure you're in the clear — both for blood pressure and other side effects. And be sure to pay attention to dosing instructions, as many cold and flu medicines reduce alertness.

"What people have to understand is that even good medications that are helpful and useful can have side effects,” Smith says. And all too often, “people don't think of over-the-counter meds as a concern,” Taler adds.

Smith stresses the importance of hand hygiene during cold and flu season, as well as exercise and a healthy diet. Rest and plenty of fluids also help kick a cold, Taler says.

Which Mucinex is best if you have high blood pressure?

Mucinex Dm (Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin).
Coricidin Hbp Cough And Cold (Chlorpheniramine / Dextromethorphan) is a combination medicine that relieves multiple cold symptoms. ... .
Good option for people with high blood pressure since it doesn't contain ingredients that'll raise your blood pressure..

Who should not take Mucinex Fast

Mucinex Fast-Max Cold/Flu MS Contraindications You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or to any other ingredients in the medicine you are using. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old.

Why can't you take Mucinex with high blood pressure?

Decongestants, a common ingredient in cold and flu drugs, constrict blood vessels to help relieve congestion. And constricted blood vessels can temporarily raise blood pressure levels and reduce blood flow in people with poor circulation.

Can you take Mucinex Fast

Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between lisinopril and Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.