what over the counter cold medication is safe when you have a heart condition (pvc's)?

Connie,

Thanks for your question.

You will definitely want to stay away from any medication that can potentiate your cardiac situation of PVCs which is early heart beats originating from the ventricle or large chamber of the heart rather than the natural pacemaker.  Most cold remedies have decongestants like Sudafed and other drugs.  Rather than list them all, I'm going to suggest what would be safe to use.

Tylenol would be fine to take for the aches and pains.  Ibuprofen would be fine also, as long as your stomach is not sensitive.  Benadry is an antihistamine that will help much of the usual symptoms of a cold and would be safe to take in your situation.  For nasal congestion, stick to salt water sprays and stay away from all others. 

Some recent studies have demonstrated that most medications for the common cold do very little to alleviate the symptoms.  So stick to the basics of Tylenol, salt water sprays and Benadryl. 

Chicken soup wouldn't hurt either.

Martin Cane, M.D.

I have a heart condition and would like to know what medication over the counter are safe to take for the common cold