Drug-Induced High Blood Pressure - Drug-Induced Hypertension

What can be done to prevent the condition?

This type of reaction to a medication is rarely predictable. Therefore, the resulting high blood pressure cannot be avoided. Once a person knows that a drug causes their blood pressure to rise, that medication should not be used. Certain drugs such as cocaine almost always cause increased blood pressure. These substances should be avoided, especially by people with other medical problems.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

The high blood pressure usually goes away without causing long-term problems once the medication is discontinued. A drug reaction that causes extremely high blood pressure is usually associated with the abuse of stimulants ("uppers") or illegal street drugs. These cases can result in heart attack, stroke, other organ damage, or death.

What are the risks to others?

There are no risks to others.