When taking high blood pressure (hypertension) medications with herbs and supplements the way the drug works can change. Be sure to always discuss herbal remedies or supplements with a doctor or health care provider before taking them while also taking prescription medications. Below are some examples of the most common contraindications (things that could happen) when mixing herbs or supplements with high blood pressure medications:
HERBS TO AVOID | TYPE OF DRUG | EFFECT |
| Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE Inhibitor) Coming soon--PDF chart with examples of ACE Inhibitors | Eating too many hot peppers or using capsaicin cream on your skin may worsen side effects such as coughing associated with ACE inhibitors. | |
| All high blood pressure (hypertension) medications Coming soon--PDF chart with examples of hypertension medications | Barberry may add to the effects of these drugs, causing weakness and dizziness. Do not use barberry if you take blood pressure medications. | |
Diuretics Coming soon--PDF chart with examples of CCBs and Diuretics | Burdock could make these drugs stronger, making you become dehydrated | |
| Beta blockers Coming soon--PDF chart with examples of beta blockers | Caffeine, even from green tea, may increase blood pressure in people taking high blood pressure medications. It can also cause irregular heart beat in people taking beta blockers. | |
| Diuretics Coming soon--PDF chart with examples of diuretics | Celery seed also has a diuretic effect and could make these medications stronger, causing increased urination. | |
| High blood pressure medications Coming soon--PDF chart with examples of high blood pressure medications | Ginkgo may lower your blood pressure. For that reason, if you take medication to lower your blood pressure, you should ask your doctor before also taking ginkgo. | |
| Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Diuretics Coming soon--PDF chart with examples of ACE inhibitors and diuretics | Using or eating licorice products while taking these medications can cause the medication to not work as well as it should or worsen the side effects associated with the medication. | |
| Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Coming soon--PDF chart with examples of ACE inhibitors | The ACE inhibitor might not work as well as it should if you are also using, eating or taking rosemary. |
Remember: ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions before you start, stop, or change your use of any medications.
