September 23, 2021

Are OTC Allergy and Cold Medications Making Your Heart Race?

Pay close attention to the way your body reacts

Are OTC Allergy and Cold Medications Making Your Heart Race?

We’ve all felt our hearts race, whether because of exertion, stress or fear. But what does it mean if you get that same heart-pounding feeling from over-the-counter drugs you take to control allergies or cold symptoms? Does that mean there’s a problem?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

The short answer is: It depends.

If you’re generally healthy and the feeling only lasts for a short time, it likely isn’t a problem.

“These palpitations can occur in people with heart disease or in those who are healthy,” says cardiologist Matthew Kaminski, MD. “But for healthy people, these skipped heartbeats are usually harmless or benign and typically not a concern.”

He notes, however, that occasionally a healthy person discovers a heart abnormality after taking OTC allergy or cold medicine. “Contact your doctor if the palpitations last for more than 30 minutes or if you notice symptoms of lightheadedness or shortness of breath,” Dr. Kaminski says.

What about people with heart problems?

If you take medication for high blood pressure and you have a heart condition, you need to pay attention if your heart reacts to over-the-counter drugs.

“Oftentimes, the heart doctor may overlook this topic because there are so many other things that they must bring to the patient’s attention,” Dr. Kaminski says.

Advertisement

His advice? If you have high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or congestive heart failure, you should avoid OTC medicines that contain a decongestant (they usually carry a “D” after the name).

Dr. Kaminski specifically recommends against using pseudoephedrine. (Because it also can be used to make illegal methamphetamine, or “meth,” a highly addictive stimulant, pharmacies must store these drugs in a secure location.)

Why are decongestants bad for your heart?

You reach for a decongestant to help clear a runny, stuffy nose. A decongestant eases congestion by constricting the blood vessels in your nasal passages. This dries up nasal mucus.

But these medications can also abnormally stimulate the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. “This can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, or skipped beats. And it can interfere with your heart medications,” Dr. Kaminski says.

If you have a heart condition, heart palpitations can last several hours after you take a decongestant. It is a dangerous and worrisome feeling that should be avoided at all costs.

4 tips for relieving congestion when you have a heart condition

So, how are you supposed to relieve congestion if you have a heart condition? Dr. Kaminski recommends the following four tips:

Advertisement

1. Try a saline nasal spray to relieve your congestion.

2. Increase the humidity in your home. A cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer may help ease congestion.

3. Talk to your cardiologist. They can tell you which OTC medicines are safe to use with your heart condition and the medications you take.

4. Avoid drugs with “D” after the name. Take time to read the warning labels on the bottle or box. When in doubt, consult the pharmacist. “Pharmacists are a great resource,” Dr. Kaminski says.

If you have a heart condition, pay attention to which over-the-counter drugs you use. These tips can help you manage cold and allergy symptoms without making your heart race. If you’re still not finding a solution to your congestion, your doctor may have other tips that will help.

Related Articles

Notes taped to window of possible new year's resolutions with hand in foreground holding marker.
December 1, 2023
How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Pick specific, measurable goals, but also be open to changing them if need be

person holding a thermometer with stress thought bubbles above head
December 1, 2023
Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Stress Sickness

From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways

bowl of soy-based cubes with hand
November 30, 2023
Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer?

Research consistently shows that soy-based foods do not increase cancer risk

person scratching neck that has eczema
November 29, 2023
How Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Can Improve Your Atopic Dermatitis

Changing your wardrobe or environment won’t eliminate eczema, but it can help reduce flares

person stressing, with clock and books
November 29, 2023
6 Ways To Feel Less Anxious in the Mornings

Breathwork, sleep mediatation and avoiding screens can help fight back morning anxiety

covid toe
November 28, 2023
Are COVID Toes and Rashes Common Symptoms of the Coronavirus?

Chilblain-like skin lesions and rashes probably aren’t COVID related

magnesium pills out of container spelling out MG
November 28, 2023
Magnesium for Anxiety: Does It Help?

This supplement may help with regulating cortisol levels, which may help with stress

woman in her forties, using an inhaler
November 28, 2023
Why Sex Hormones Can Help (or Hurt) Your Asthma

Developmental changes like puberty and menopause can impact symptom severity

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad