Hypertension and cold medications?

I have hypertension and I'm on Methyldopa and Hydrochlorothiazide, and I know there are certain OTC meds that aren't supposed to be taken... but, I woke up with a miserable cold and I have Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom in my house... I know I should check w/ my doctor, but can anyone tell me now-- can I take the Tylenol?

Thanks, everyone. All the info helps a LOT!

This won't answer all your question as their might be other OTC meds that do this, but I also cannot take alot of cold medicine. You need to look at the ingredients IN The cold medicine. One ingerdient you want to avoid is "Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride". It is used as a decongestant & if you already have BP problems, it can make your BP go sky high in a hurry with no warning. I can take Tylenol, (not sure about multisymptom, never checked the ingredients on it), Robitussin DM, (has to be the DM), Benadryl to name a few if I need them. Look for cold medicine that is OTC & for high BP, they are out there. I like Niquil Night Time also.

I also have to avoid, some herbs that seem to wire me up good, I took by mistake once not knowing what they were. Ephedra, kola nut, goto kola is 3 main ones I have to avoid that comes in energy drinks, diet pills & a few other things.

You can also ask a pharmacist to recommend something OTC for you to that goes with your BP med. I am on the same med as you are & these were my doctor's recommendations, but your doctor may have more/others also.

Don't do anything until you talk to your doctor, because Tylenol can react catastrophically with some drugs.

However, you might drive to the local drug store, CVS, etc., especially where you buy your meds, to ask a druggist for his tak on your drugs and interactions.

NO, the tylenol multisyptom relief has psuedephedrine in it which will drive your BP thru the roof.
Coricidin HB is made for cold sufferers with hypertension. Also, I use Zicam nasal swabs following the package instructions, it really does minimize cold symptoms and shorten the duration of colds. In fact, I use it daily to prevent colds, and I haven't had a cold in four years now.
Both of the above products are available over the counter.