Arterial hypertension with hypopotassemia and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis caused by abuse of a nasal spray
Pepe, M.; Altomonte, L.; Palumbo, P.; Zoli, A.; Mangia, A.
Minerva Medica 74(39): 2323-2326
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4806 PMID: 6197683 Document Number: 217119
The case of a young woman, using a nasal spray containing corticosteroids, presenting hypertension systodiastolic, hypokalemia and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis is presented. Clinical findings, similar to hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex, recovered quickly after discontinuation of the drug. The principal causes of hypertension associated with hypokalemia and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis, are discussed and the importance of nasal spray, containing glucocorticoids and sympathetic agonists, as a cause of high blood pressure syndromes with different clinical expression and of difficult diagnosis is stressed. The importance of systemic absorption of drugs administered by nasal route is also emphasized.