Definition of Drug-induced hypertension:

Drug-induced hypertension is high blood pressure caused by using a chemical substance, drug, or medication.

See also: High blood pressure

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Blood pressure is determined by the:

• Amount of blood the heart pumps
• Condition of the heart valves
• Pumping power of the heart
• Size and condition of the arteries

There are several types of high blood pressure.

• Essential hypertension has no cause that can be found.
• Secondary hypertension occurs because of another disorder.
• Drug-induced hypertension is a form of secondary hypertension caused by a response to medication.

Drugs that can cause hypertension include:

• Alcohol, amphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA and derivatives), and cocaine
• 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

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

Many other factors can also affect blood pressure, including:

• Condition of the kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels
• Genetics
• Foods eaten, weight, and other body-related variables
• Levels of various hormones in the body
• Volume of water in the body