Drug-Induced Hypertension

by Diane, M.P.H, M.S.

Drug-induced hypertension: 

High blood pressure caused by using a chemical substance, drug, or medication

Drugs that can cause hypertension include:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Alcohol, amphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA and derivatives), and cocaine
  • Antidepressants (including venlafaxine, bupropion, and desipramine)
  • Caffeine (including the caffeine in coffee and energy drinks)
  • Corticosteroids
  • Cyclosporine
  • Erythropoietin
  • Estrogens (including birth control pills) and other hormones
  • Many over-the-counter medications such as cough/cold and asthma medications — particularly when the cough/cold medicine is taken with certain antidepressants like tranylcypromine or tricyclics
  • Migraine medications
  • Nasal decongestants
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Alcohol’s effect on blood pressure is often taken for granted:

  • Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure.
  • The American Heart Association’s Guidelines state that if you drink alcohol, limit the amount to no more than 2 drinks a day for men, or 1 a day for women. They define a drink as one 12-ounce beer, 4 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits, or 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits.
  • If you are taking medication, note that alcohol magnifies the potency and risk of side effects from your dose of medication. Your liver and kidneys must work harder in the presence of alcohol, to metabolize and excrete various components of these drugs.

Rebound hypertension: This occurs when blood pressure rises after you stop taking, or lower the dose of, a drug (typically a high blood pressure medication).

To avoid medical problems, only take medications that are safe for people with high blood pressure:

  • Give a list of ALL medications you use, both prescription and over-the-counter, to each doctor you visit.
  • Read medication labels before buying over-the-counter products.
  • Make sure the medicine does not contain ingredients that could worsen your high blood pressure, such as NSAIDs or decongestants.
  • Talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter medication, herbal preparation, vitamins, or other nutritional supplements.
  • Ask for alternatives to potentially harmful medicines.

References:

  1. “Medications and supplements that can raise your blood pressure: From acetaminophen to stimulants, know which drugs and supplements can affect your blood pressure.” Mayo Clinic staff. 2015. (Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blood-pressure/MY00256)
  2. “The Harvard Medical School Family Heath Guide: Don’t Let Decongestants Squeeze Your Heart.” © 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. WebMD Medical Reference. Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on 10/19/11.
  3. “Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Health Center: Medications That Cause High Blood Pressure.” (Source: http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/medications-cause)

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