Neither does banana custard apple! Which fruits cannot be taken with blood pressure medicine? Pharmacists explain myths about blood pressure medication
Which fruits cannot be taken with blood pressure medicine? Also pay attention to bananas and custard apples
Hypertension is known as the “hidden killer”. People suffering from hypertension usually require long-term control, and medication safety cannot be ignored. The Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, Food and Drug Administration reminds that taking “calcium channel blockers” antihypertensive drugs together with grapefruit may increase the drug concentration in the blood, increase the chance of side effects, and cause headaches. , tachycardia, and in severe cases may even cause hypotension. Do not be careful when taking medicine.
Pharmacist Cai Junyan from the Department of Pharmacy of New Taipei City Hospital said that in addition to citrus and grapefruit, people often ignore “high potassium” fruits, such as bananas, sugar apples, durians and persimmons. These fruits should be avoided with potassium-sparing diuretics. If blood pressure drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are used simultaneously, the risk is higher especially in patients with poor kidney function.
Do red yeast rice and ginseng affect blood pressure medicine? What foods should you eat less during the Chinese New Year if you have high blood pressure?
In addition, during the Chinese New Year, many people buy health food gift boxes to give to their elders, relatives and friends. Pharmacist Cai Junyan reminds that ingredients such as red yeast rice, natto, and ginseng in health foods may interact with blood pressure medicines, aggravating the efficacy of the medicines and causing side effects, or reducing the effectiveness of blood pressure medicines, which is detrimental to blood pressure control. People who are taking blood pressure medications should consult their doctors and pharmacists before consuming such health foods.
Is eating hot pot around the stove during the Chinese New Year likely to lead to poor control of high blood pressure? Pharmacist Cai Junyan said that not only high-sodium hot pot soups, but also pickled, canned, kimchi, smoked foods, processed foods, etc., all contain high sodium. In addition to edema, excessive intake will also increase blood volume and increase blood pressure. , serious risks such as stroke may occur. People with high blood pressure should be careful not to consume too much during the Chinese New Year.
Can’t blood pressure medicine be taken with painkillers? Beware of low blood pressure and risk of kidney damage
While taking blood pressure medication, should I avoid taking it with other medications? Pharmacist Cai Junyan reminds that when using angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), avoid taking them together with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) analgesics to avoid weakening the blood pressure medication effect. People with poor kidney function should pay more attention, as taking the two together may worsen kidney function problems.
In addition, among the common first-line medications for hypertension, slow calcium ion channel blockers (Amlodipine) such as Amlodipine, if taken together with cardiovascular drugs such as Viagra, may cause hypotension and rapid heartbeat. , special attention should also be paid when taking medicine.
If I forget to take my blood pressure medicine, can I take it again? Remember to get your medicine in advance before a long vacation
Pharmacist Cai Junyan said that if you forget to take blood pressure medicine at a fixed time, you can take it before half the interval between two doses. After half the interval, it is recommended to wait until the next time to take the medicine. Take blood pressure medicine once a day as an example. You can take it 12 hours before the interval. After 12 hours, it is recommended to wait until the next time you take the medicine.
This year’s Spring Festival holiday lasts for 9 days. Pharmacist Cai Junyan reminds people with chronic diseases to take medicine regularly during the New Year and recommends getting medicine in advance to prevent running out of medicine during the long holiday. Pre-medication service will be available across Taiwan starting from January 19, and people can take advantage of it. Chronic patients are urged to follow the doctor’s prescription and take medications regularly at the right time to maintain good control.
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