Drug-Induced Hypertension

Untoward side effects of pharmaceuticals can result in considerable morbidity and expense to the health care system. There is likely a sizable fraction of the hypertensive population with disease either induced or exacerbated by polypharmacy. The elevation of blood pressure in drug-induced hypertension occurs through a variety of mechanisms, most notably, sodium and fluid retention, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, alteration of vascular tone, or a combination of these pathways. Recognition of common medications causing drug-induced hypertension is important to effectively control blood pressure. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of these agents are discussed.