If you have hypertension can you take NSAIDs?

Vitamin E can be harmful
January 2, 2012
New review of melatonin sleep supplements
January 3, 2012
Show all

If you have hypertension can you take NSAIDs?

Is it okay for patients with uncomplicated hypertension to take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxyn, celecoxib, etc? Many can … but you need to be careful.
According to the experts at the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), on average, NSAIDs increase BP by around 5 mmHg in patients with hypertension … but some patients are more susceptible than others.
Elevations are more likely in the elderly … obese men … and patients with diabetes, heart failure, or kidney or liver disease.
The NMCD tells us prescribers, “Tell patients with uncomplicated hypertension that occasional use of NSAIDs is usually okay … but daily use for just one week can reduce BP control.”
They also tell us prescribers:

  • Monitor BP if a hypertensive patient starts a chronic NSAID. Explain that NSAIDs can also make BP meds less effective.
  • Be careful about combining an NSAID with an ACE inhibitor or ARB … the combo can worsen BP and renal function.
  • And watch for the “triple whammy”… an NSAID plus an ACEI or ARB plus a diuretic. This combo can push a patient into acute renal failure.
  • Consider using a calcium channel blocker if a patient needs an antihypertensive that is less affected by NSAIDs.
  • Don’t expect one NSAID to increase BP more or less than the others.
  • Suggest naproxen if a chronic NSAID is needed for a patient with cardiovascular disease … not just hypertension.
  • Naproxen seems to be the least likely to increase cardiovascular risk.

Here are some of my other blogs on NSAIDs:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.