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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Oxymetazolene and hypertension
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
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Oxymetazolene and hypertension
by Tralfaz, Feb 04, 2004 12:00AM
I've been experiencing hypertension and tachycardia for about 3 months now, with no definitive diagnosis. I've just recently discovered something that I hope may be the trigger for all this. Maybe 10 or so years ago, I began noticing that my eyes were always red and watery in the mornings, so I began using Visine each morning. I began using using Visine LR about 3 years ago because it was stronger and lasted longer. Foolishly I've been using it every single day, sometimes more than once. The active ingredient in Visine LR is oxymetazolene, and after researching this drug, I discovered that it shouldn't be used regularly for more than 3 days, and I've been using it for years. Among the side effects and cautions listed, it mentions that if too much of the drug is absorbed by the body, it could result in, among other things, rapid or irregular heartbeat and hypertension. It also cautions against using it in conjunction with beta blockers, and every beta blocker I've tried, even at low doses, has caused debilitating side effects. Since I stopped using it altogether 6 days ago, my heartrate and blood pressure have been higher than usual. Is it possible that this drug may be causing these symptoms? How long would it it take for it to clear my system and to see some relief from the tach and HBP? I doubt that I could be lucky enough that my problems could be solved so simply, but I wanted to run this by the doc and see what he thinks. Thanks again.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Feb 04, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 04, 2004 12:00AM
tralfaz,
There are alot of theroretical reasons that large doses of the active compound in the visine could cause your blood pressure to be elevated, it probably is not solely responsible, as most of the case reports that involve marked hypertension involve ingestion of large doses.
The possibiltity that it could be exacerbating your symtoms however is certainly possible. Some of your incrased BP and HR might be a rebound. I wouldnt think these would last more then 7-10 days. Really only time will tell.
good luck, update us in a few days.
There are alot of theroretical reasons that large doses of the active compound in the visine could cause your blood pressure to be elevated, it probably is not solely responsible, as most of the case reports that involve marked hypertension involve ingestion of large doses.
The possibiltity that it could be exacerbating your symtoms however is certainly possible. Some of your incrased BP and HR might be a rebound. I wouldnt think these would last more then 7-10 days. Really only time will tell.
good luck, update us in a few days.
good luck . Lynn
Oh, goodness.. yes.. Afrin nose drops... I thought I was in afib or something after using them.. absolutely set off my really fast heart beat and irregular beats.. happened every time I used it so I was confinced it was the nose drops. NEVER AGAIN!
Lynn
Do you know of anything safe to take? My cardio tells me to stay away from everything. I've seen commercials recently marketing a cold medicine that doesn't raise blood pressure. Do you think that means it wouldn't raise the heart rate either?
As far as saline solutions (comment from Mell22). I know they are safe. I use them every night and morning. But what I would give for something that would help the sinus's and unclog the nose during severe colds.
http://atkins.com/Archive/2002/4/4-242812.html for article with references) and olive leaf ( more info at
http://www.drhoffman.com/oliveleaf/) for colds . I am hypersensitive to most stuff and have had documented allergic reactions to so many meds it is ridiculous, but I have never had a problem with C and olive leaf. I'd also suggest a good B complex vitamin.
Lynn
http://www.drweil.com/app/cda/drw_cda.html-command=DailyTip
May I suggest that (if you haven't already done so) you may wish to search the Internet for information about the possible causes of your symptoms. Or, you may wish to pose your question to the doctors who are connected with this forum. They seem to be quite helpful.
NHS