Sudafed is known to worsen which medical condition?

Sudafed, which contains pseudoephedrine, is a decongestant that works by narrowing the blood vessels to decrease swelling and congestion in the nasal passages. However, one of the significant effects of this mechanism is that it can increase blood pressure. Therefore, in patients with high blood pressure, the use of Sudafed may exacerbate their condition by causing further elevation in blood pressure levels.

Individuals with hypertension are typically advised to use decongestants with caution, or to avoid them altogether, because the stimulant effects can lead to complications or worsening of their condition. In contrast, while Sudafed may have various effects on other conditions like allergies, asthma, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, it is primarily known for its potential to negatively impact those with high blood pressure due to its systemic effects.