Can I take Halls with high blood pressure?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. For these individuals, many common cold and flu remedies can pose a risk, leading to the important question: Can I take Halls with high blood pressure?

Quick Summary

Plain Halls cough drops, containing menthol and eucalyptus oil, are generally safe for individuals with high blood pressure. Certain multi-symptom cold medicines containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, however, can raise blood pressure and should be avoided. Always check labels and consult a pharmacist.

Key Points

Plain Halls are Generally Safe: Standard Halls cough drops contain menthol and eucalyptus oil, not the decongestants that pose a risk to people with hypertension.
Avoid Oral Decongestants: Many cold remedies contain ingredients like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, which constrict blood vessels and can significantly raise blood pressure.
Check for Multi-Symptom Products: Always read the label of any multi-symptom cold medicine, as they often contain decongestants or NSAIDs that are unsafe for those with high blood pressure.
Opt for Safer Alternatives: Single-ingredient medications containing only dextromethorphan or guaifenesin, or products specifically labeled for high blood pressure (HBP), are safer choices.
Consult a Professional: When uncertain about a medication, consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for your health condition.
Consider Non-Medicated Relief: Simple remedies like honey, gargling with salt water, and using a humidifier are effective and safe for managing cold symptoms.

Understanding the Ingredients in Halls

Standard Halls cough drops are primarily composed of two active ingredients: menthol and eucalyptus oil. These ingredients are used as a cough suppressant and oral anesthetic to soothe sore throats and relieve minor irritation. Critically, they are not decongestants, which are the main culprits for raising blood pressure in many over-the-counter cold remedies.

How Menthol and Eucalyptus Affect Blood Pressure

Menthol: The effect of menthol on blood pressure is complex but generally not a concern at the low doses found in a cough drop. While some research in animals and specific human studies indicates potential vasodilating (blood vessel widening) or lowering effects on blood pressure, these are not significant enough to pose a risk in the context of regular Halls consumption. In contrast, large, prolonged oral supplementation of menthol in research settings has shown various effects. The amounts in cough drops are much lower.
Eucalyptus Oil: Inhalation of eucalyptus oil has been shown to potentially lower blood pressure and decrease pain perception in some studies, though the mechanism is not fully understood. This effect is distinct from the vasoconstrictive action of oral decongestants.

The Lack of Decongestants is Key

The primary danger in many cold and flu medications for people with hypertension lies in oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. These ingredients work by constricting blood vessels throughout the body, which helps to reduce swelling in the nasal passages. This constriction, however, also increases overall blood pressure, which can be dangerous for those with hypertension. Because plain Halls cough drops do not contain these ingredients, they do not pose the same risk.

The Risks of Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu Medications

Unlike simple cough drops, many multi-symptom cold and flu products present significant risks for individuals with high blood pressure. It is crucial to carefully read labels and avoid products that contain the following:

Oral Decongestants: Look for ingredients like pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, or ephedrine. Labels may also contain the letters "D" or "CF" indicating a decongestant.
NSAID Pain Relievers: Common NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can raise blood pressure and counteract the effects of blood pressure medication.
Sodium: Certain fizzy cold remedies can contain higher levels of sodium, which is known to increase blood pressure.

Safer Alternatives for Cold Symptoms

For those with high blood pressure, several safer options are available for managing cold symptoms. These can often provide relief without the cardiovascular risks associated with decongestants.

Acetaminophen: For fever, aches, and pain, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered a safer alternative to NSAIDs.
Dextromethorphan (Cough Suppressant): Products containing only dextromethorphan, often labeled DM, are not known to affect blood pressure.
Guaifenesin (Expectorant): This ingredient, found in products like Mucinex, helps to loosen mucus and is generally safe for people with hypertension.
Medications Labeled HBP: Look for cold and flu medicines explicitly marketed for people with high blood pressure, such as Coricidin HBP.
Non-Medicated Remedies: Natural methods like drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water, and using saline nasal sprays or a humidifier are also effective.

Halls Cough Drops vs. Other Cold Remedies: A Comparison


Product Type	Key Ingredients	Primary Use	Impact on High BP	Label Indicators	Safety for Hypertension
Halls Cough Drops	Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil	Soothing sore throats, cough suppressant	Minimal/Negligible	N/A	Generally Safe
Oral Decongestants	Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine	Nasal congestion	Can raise blood pressure, interfere with medication	'D' or 'CF' after product name	Avoid
Multi-Symptom Cold Meds	Combination (Decongestant, NSAID)	Multiple symptoms	Can significantly raise blood pressure	Often includes 'Sinus', 'Day/Night'	Avoid
HBP-Specific Meds	Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine	General cold symptoms	Designed not to affect blood pressure	'HBP' on label	Usually Safe (Consult doctor)
Single-Ingredient Cough Meds	Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin	Cough, chest congestion	Not known to affect blood pressure	'DM', 'Mucinex'	Safe
Traditional Remedies	Honey, Saline Spray	Sore throat, nasal congestion	N/A	N/A	Safe

Conclusion: Navigating Cold Relief with Hypertension

For individuals with high blood pressure, plain Halls cough drops are generally considered safe for soothing a sore throat or cough, as their active ingredients do not constrict blood vessels in the same way as oral decongestants. However, it is essential to be a vigilant label reader. The danger lies in multi-symptom cold products that often combine decongestants and NSAIDs, both of which can negatively impact blood pressure. Always choose single-ingredient cough or pain relievers or opt for formulas specifically designed for people with high blood pressure. When in doubt, the safest course of action is to consult a pharmacist or your healthcare provider to ensure any medication you take is appropriate for your condition.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

While plain Halls are low-risk, you should always consult a doctor if your cold symptoms persist or worsen. For high blood pressure patients, immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience severe symptoms, such as:

A fever that lasts for more than 2-3 days
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
A severe headache or chest pain
Unusual dizziness or heart palpitations

These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition or a negative reaction to medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many cold medicines contain oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. These ingredients constrict blood vessels to reduce nasal swelling, but this action also increases blood pressure throughout the body.

You should avoid oral decongestants (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen). Look for these listed on the product label.

Plain Halls cough drops are generally safe. However, always check the label, as some Halls products or other combination cold medications may contain additional active ingredients that could affect blood pressure.

Yes, black licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can significantly raise blood pressure. Individuals with hypertension should avoid products containing black licorice.

The main ingredient in Mucinex (guaifenesin) is generally considered safe. However, many Mucinex products are multi-symptom and contain decongestants (labeled 'D' or 'CF'). You must specifically choose a decongestant-free version.

Saline nasal sprays are a safe and effective alternative for relieving nasal congestion, as they work locally without affecting overall blood pressure.

Coricidin HBP is a line of cold and flu medications specifically formulated for people with high blood pressure. They do not contain decongestants that raise blood pressure.