Can cold medicine raise my blood pressure?

Certain cold medicines can indeed raise your blood pressure. This is mainly due to ingredients like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, which are common in many over-the-counter cold medications.

• Pseudoephedrine: According to one study, pseudoephedrine can increase blood pressure in some people. This is important to know if you have high blood pressure or are at risk for it.
• Phenylephrine: Another study found that phenylephrine, which is often used in cold medications, can also cause an increase in blood pressure.

If you have high blood pressure or are concerned about it, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking cold medicine with these ingredients. They might suggest alternatives that are safer for you.