Can You Take Delsym If You Have High Blood Pressure?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to take Delsym (dextromethorphan) if you have high blood pressure.
Can I take Delsym cough if I have high blood pressure and currently take amlodipine and metoprolol?
Oct 03, 2022- Delsym, which contains dextromethorphan, is safe to take if you have high blood pressure and does not interact with common blood pressure medications. Be careful to avoid combination cold and cough products that contain phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine, as these can raise blood pressure. Always read the full ingredient label on any over-the-counter cough or cold product before taking it.
Answer
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) does not generally cause or worsen high blood pressure. In addition, there are no drug interactions between dextromethorphan, amlodipine, and metoprolol.
In fact, dextromethorphan is an ingredient in many of the 'Coricidin HBP' products, which are cough/cold medications formulated to be safe to use in those with high blood pressure.
Watch Out For Combination Cough/Cold Products
It is important to be wary of combination ingredient cold and cough products that contain dextromethorphan, as it is a common component in many multi-ingredient formulas. Products containing phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine may increase blood pressure and should generally be avoided in patients with high blood pressure.
Be sure to always read the labels of the product you are looking to take!
What Is Dextromethorphan?
Dextromethorphan (commonly referred to as DM on many over-the-counter products) is a cough suppressant that reduces the urge to cough. It is best to prevent a bothersome dry cough or a cough that doesn’t involve mucus from the lower respiratory system.
Dextromethorphan should not be used to treat chronic cough, including cough related to asthma or COPD. If the cough lasts for more than one week or is associated with more severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever, it is recommended to see a physician.
OTC Cough Expectorant - Guaifenesin
Another product that works against cough is Guaifenesin (Mucinex), which is also safe if you have high blood pressure.
Guaifenesin is a cough expectorant that helps break down mucus in the upper and lower airway. Guaifenesin loosens phlegm and secretions which can then be expelled. Guaifenesin is best used to reduce the symptoms of having a deep cough that can’t be cleared.
Although many products contain both dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, it may be best to pick the single ingredient that will help based on the type of cough that you have. Taking several medications when one may be sufficient could lead to unnecessary side effects or risks.
Final Words
All in all, dextromethorphan is unlikely to cause an increase in high blood pressure and does not have any drug interactions with amlodipine or metoprolol. Always be careful to read all active ingredients when selecting OTC products, as products with phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine may cause an increase in blood pressure.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Dextromethorphan
- A cough suppressant medication that reduces the urge to cough, commonly found in over-the-counter cold and cough products.
- Amlodipine
- A blood pressure medication that belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers.
- Metoprolol
- A blood pressure medication that belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers.
- Drug interactions
- Changes in how a medication works when combined with another drug, which can increase side effects or reduce effectiveness.
- Phenylephrine
- A decongestant ingredient in cold medicines that can raise blood pressure.
- Pseudoephedrine
- A decongestant ingredient in cold medicines that can raise blood pressure.
- Guaifenesin
- A cough expectorant that helps thin and loosen mucus so it can be coughed up more easily.
- Expectorant
- A type of medication that helps clear mucus and phlegm from the airways by making secretions thinner and easier to expel.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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