Question

Critical Thinking and Clinical Application. Respond to each questions using supportive scientific data People with allergies commonly take antihistamines withh decongestants to relieve their symptoms. The container warns that individuals who are being treated for high blood pressure should not take the medications. Why not?

Answer 1

Antihistamines are the drugs which prevent allergies.Decongestants are often given with antihistamines to get relief from stuffy nose .Decongestants reduce the stuffness by narrowing the nasal blood vessels.This narrowing relieves nasal congestion.This narrowing can affect other blood vessel also causing an increase in blood pressure.This may increase the risk of hypertension. That is why hypertensive patients are being warned while using allergic medications.

Mechanism Of Action of decongestants:

Decongestants are sympathomimetic agents. They stimulate alpha adrenergic receptors on dilated arteries of nasal mucosa resulting in narrowing of arteries. This reduces swelling and nasal congestion.