 [ Symptoms ] i have a bad sinus head cold can i take over the counter cold medicines along with my high blood pressure medicine [ Disease ] if you have high blood pressure it is usually advised that you avoid cold medicines that contain a decongestant like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine because they can raise the blood pressure and heart rate in some people your pharmacist can help you choose a cold medicine that will help your symptoms and mix well with your prescription medications