Cold and Flu treatment for those taking Ramipril

I notice that you have to be careful treating colds or flu when taking blood pressure medicines. What over the counter medicines can you take? Just asking for future reference.

Thank you.

[Ascb]

I usually play it safe and just take paracetamol

[Hidden in reply to Ascb]

Thank you. There is so much to learn and your reply is so helpful.

[Ascb in reply to Hidden]

I was told avoiddecongestants, ones that contain pseudoephedrine. To be honest I think as colds and flu will sort themselves out (with admittedly discomfort for us!) that it's worth just taking paracetamol, which brings temperature down and is a painkiller.

Have you just been diagnosed with high blood pressure?

[Hidden in reply to Ascb]

Yes I had BP of 215/110 three weeks ago! I am taking Ramipril and thankfully no side effects which has brought my BP down to around 130/88 and have my first nurse review on Wednesday. I'm not feeling so anxious now and have managed to lose some weight and watch what I'm eating so hope to be able to control it and improve my fitness. It has been a wake up call for me at 54 years of age. I read up on the treatment and noticed that there was advice on not taking Ibuprofen etc. Lots to learn and I start to live with this condition so asking lots of questions (particularly as GP's are so difficult to see at the moment). The support and advice I have got on here has been so welcome. Thank you for taking the time to respond to me - it is most appreciated.

[Ascb in reply to Hidden]

You're welcome! It's such an adjustment. Its excellent that your blood pressure is responding well to medication. I've lived with high blood pressure for 25 years (I was 35 when it rose for no reason other than genetics).

If you take the meds then you're doing the best you can to control it.

You're obviously going to be paying this a lot of attention as you learn to live with it, but in time you'll take your meds, go for your yearly review and forget it most of the rest of the time.

[Hidden in reply to Ascb]

Yes I'm trying to ignore the BP monitor machine now and just take readings once a week - taking the view I'm losing weight, walking more and eating well and that's all I can do. The first three weeks I was just obsessed chasing reading numbers! and as a result anxiety was causing palpitations at night and higher readings, I'm now more relaxed and accept they can vary and those symptoms have subsided. Mostly thanks to this site. So once again thank you.

[Annemarietheknitter]

Fresh lemon and honey in hot water and paracetamol for headaches or fever

[Silvasava]

As others have said. paracetamol. I took some Cocodamol a few weeks ago and ended up calling the paramedics! Apparently codeine is converted to morphine in your body and drops your blood pressure. Not good when your already on blood pressure meds. My BP dropped like a stone! Be warned!!

[Hidden in reply to Silvasava]

I take cocodamol every day and never knew this !

[Silvasava in reply to Hidden]

I rarely take it and never had a problem before but this time the reaction was within 1/2 an hour! Quite frightening so be careful x

[ChristineK in reply to Silvasava]

I take codeine every day for chronic pain due to osteoarthritis, but I still have high BP if I stop taking BP medication. It seems I can't win then, as I had a HA eighteen months ago. How come I have bee prescribed these two medicines together if it is that dangerous?

[Silvasava in reply to ChristineK]

I didn't suggest it was dangerous, just that I'd had a reaction. Many others may be able to take it with their type of meds. It just seems it's not a good combination for me and I wanted other people to be aware of the effects it can have. Like many medications there are side effects.

[ChristineK in reply to Silvasava]

I guess everybody is different, some may have reactions whilst others won't.

[LBCdance]

Agree about paracetamol and "old-fashioned" remedies like honey and lemon. Otherwise ask your pharmacist's advice

[Gibson01]

Paracetamol is allowed, ibuprofen and aspirin not recommended. Always ask your pharmacist and tell them what prescription medication you are taking,

[ChristineK in reply to Gibson01]

I was prescribed Ramipril and Aspirin by cardiology after my HA, so I presume that the two can be taken together?

[JennyRx in reply to Gibson01]

Aspirin 75mg is routinely given as an antiplatelet. Ibuprofen can be acceptable for occasional use but not regular use as affects the kidneys, which play a role in cardiovascular health.

[reidmar]

speak with your pharmacist for advice