Q: I am 47 years old and have high blood pressure (around 150/85 mmHg). What should I take for a cold? I used to take Olfen 100 SR but I heard it is not good for high blood pressure. Please suggest.

A:Cold is due to viral infection. Hence no antibacterial or potent pain-killer such as Olfen 100 SR (that contains diclofenac sodium) will have any beneficial effect. Olfen 100 SR is meant for arthritis and has large number of side effects including increase in blood pressure. Steam inhalation with Sinarest Vapocaps 1 cap three times daily for 3-4 days is usually adequate to relieve symptoms such as running nose, headache etc. It is also quite safe since no drug is consumed.