Dear Dr. SerVaas: I have heard that some decongestants and cold medications can raise one's blood pressure. Which products should I avoid?

Margerie Smith
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dear Reader: Hypertension expert and researcher Dr. Myron Weinberger of Indiana University School of Medicine replies:

"All decongestants (but not antihistamines) available by prescription or over the counter, except Coricidin-HBP, may elevate blood pressure. People with heart disease or high blood pressure should not use any preparation with a 'D' (which stands for 'decongestant') in the name, i.e. Claritin-D and the like."