For a 57-year-old woman with hypertension experiencing a suspected viral infection, which type of OTC medication should be avoided?

In the context of a 57-year-old woman with hypertension experiencing a suspected viral infection, decongestants should be avoided due to their potential side effects that can exacerbate high blood pressure. Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, work by constricting blood vessels to reduce nasal congestion, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Patients with hypertension are often advised to avoid these medications to prevent unintentional spikes in blood pressure that can occur as a result of their vasoconstrictive properties.

In contrast, other options such as acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin are generally considered safe for individuals with hypertension. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that does not affect blood pressure, while dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that is not associated with cardiovascular effects. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that also does not impact blood pressure levels. Therefore, the best approach for this patient would be to refrain from using decongestants and consider alternative OTC medications that are safer for managing her symptoms without compromising her blood pressure.