Medication interactions?

Question

i have a pacemaker and heard a long time ago i cant take decongestants. my head is so congested and my doctor gave me allegra -d to take. i asked the pharmacist first if i could take it because i felt the doctor was wrong to give it to me and he confirmed it was wrong. he said i can take antihistamines.

i have some benadryl allergy at home but now i am worried about taking it because i am on blood pressure meds too. which ii forgot to mention to pharmacist. i take amlodipine. does anyone know if i can combine the two meds? i would like to take one now as my head is throbbing from being so congested but its to late to call the pharmacist or doctor. serious replies only please. if you don't know for a fact please don't reply. i will wait for tomorrow for the doctor but i would like to sleep tonight.

Answer 1

Decongestants can increase your blood pressure through narrowing of the blood vessels and increasing the contraction and rate of your heartbeat.  The pacemaker will regulate your heartbeat.

Amlodipine opens your blood vessels, thereby lowering your blood pressure.  

Picture putting your thumb on the end of a garden hose, when you press down (narrow) the pressure goes up and the water shoots further; when you release your thumb, the pressure will go down when you open the end of the hose.

Important - re-check with your physician!  Your doctor should know you best.  The pharmacist has good intentions, and has the textbook right answers, but your are not a book. If you have a regular cardiologist, that is the person I would recommend you call.

There is no black and white line, and I cannot (nor should anyone else) give you definitive advice.  It depends on the type of pacemaker, the severity of your high blood pressure, and the type and dose of the decongestant.

Hope you feel better soon.  Chicken soup works for me.

Answer 2

Call a pharmacist. There are plenty of 24-hour pharmacies around.