Allegra And The Affects On Blood Pressure

Allegra is a popular antihistamine used for seasonal allergies. Antihistamines work against the naturally occurring histamine response in the body (when the body perceives it is exposed to an allergen). Allegra helps prevent runny nose, itching, sneezing and watery eyes, all characteristic's of seasonal allergies.

Allegra could be used in an off-label capacity, meaning that your doctor may decide that using this anti-histamine may sort out another current condition you may have. The use of Allegra can affect blood pressure; a matter of concern to people who suffer from hypertension and have difficulty controlling blood pressure.

The real issue is Allegra -D and not Allegra and blood pressure. Allegra contains fexofenadine, which decreases the effects of histamine in the body. But some people suffer from nasal congestion and want relief from it and as a solution, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, manufacturers of Allegra, designed a medication containing the decongestant pseudoephedrine.

Pseudoephedrine restricts blood vessels which decreases the amount of nasal congestion but, being specific to the vessels in the nose alone, restricts all blood vessels.
Two problems occur : People with borderline hypertension can have their blood pressure raised to high levels and continued use can cause peripheral vascular and cardiac problems. The effect on people taking antihypertensive medications such asMecamylamine, Aldomet or Reserpine, is that pseudoephedrine will counter act the effects of these medications and patients taking these medications will be left without protection or control against the dangerous effects of high blood pressure. In addition, pseudoephedrine can cause blood pressure to rise.

High blood pressure patients and those taking blood pressure medications should be worried about the connection between blood pressure and Allegra. Lengthy exposure to hypertension or high blood pressure, increases the workload on the heart and cardiovascular system. This increased strain and stress can lead to congestive heart failure, kidney failure, stroke or heart disease.

Doctors can't always establish reasons behind hypertension, but they know which factors are high risk causes of the symptoms. Many of these factors are reversible. By taking care of risk factors, high blood pressure is controlled more easily or is reduced with milder medications. Risk factors are obesity, poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise and little rest.

Be sure your healthcare provider knows your medical history, medications you take (over the counter medications and vitamins) and your symptoms before agreeing to take Allegra. Do not take Allegra if you have had an allergic reaction, have kidney, liver or heart disease, are pregnant or are breast feeding.

Some people without risk factors can take Allegra to help alleviate seasonal allergy reactions, but for those who have risk factors this medication can cause some serious health risks.

By: Bob Cotto

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Bob Cotto spent most of his life as a Sr. Sales & Marketing executive. Two years ago his wife of 43 years, Joanne was told that she had 4th stage cancer. Since then, Bob and Joanne have devoted all of their energy to assisting her in maintaining a high quality of life. Find out more about his efforts at his site 4-Ideal-Health.