As of last month on Oct.9th, I was put on heart medications due to having some blockages and having 2 stents put in. This is all totally new to me and I am finding out that I am not allowed to take certain OTC meds with the prescription meds that I am on. Is there anyway to find a list of OTC meds that a heart patient can and cannot take, without having to call the Dr. or pharmacy every time I feel the need to take something OTC?
Below are the medications that I am currently taking:

Plavix-75mg-once a day
Aspirin- 325mg- once a day
Diltiazem- 60mg-twice a day
Crestor- 20mg-once a day
Armour Thyroid-60mg-once a day

I used to get sinus headaches all the time and the ONLY thing that would help, was the "Sudefed Sinus Headache" I was informed (almost too late) that I cannot take any kind of decongestant because it would raise my BP. Now that I have the flu, I have no clue what I'm allowed to take to find some kind of relief or comfort and am afraid to take ANYTHING. So if anyone has any idea, please let me know.
I'm headed back to the couch!

Blessings,
Rhonda

Rhonda,

Sorry, but your right, no decongestants for us heart sufferers. You can take antihistimines (Claritan, Zyrtec, lortadine), but they don't clear up your nose as much.

You can take Mucinex (without the D for decongestant) which will dry up mucas and flem, but make sure you drink plenty of water while taking it or else it will give you a hacking dry cough. It will help clear up your head a little and make you feel more "normal".

When I get really bad I take Dayquil Sinus, but can see my bp go up when I take it and my doc gives me a look when I tell him. It has a lower dosage of decongestant in it, but still enough to raise the bp.

Also, get a flu shot if you haven't already. Since receiving my first one last year I have noticed that my sinus problems have diminished.

You can try a humidifier at night, which will make the air in your room not as dry. I have one it and it runs constantly.

Sorry girl but we all have to suffer when we are sick :(

Lynn