Expert: Eric Brandt - 1/18/2008

Question
Is it possible that is causes an increase in blood pressure?  I am on medication to control hypertension,
basically a beta blocker, which until recently had worked rather well to control it.  In the last few months my BP starting creeping up, and my dr. added Benicar to the mix.  It helped some but not as much as would be ideal.  
Rather than increase it again or add a calcium channel block to the mix, I asked my dr. if he thought the steroid nasal spray could be the culprit, as I started taking it about the time my BP started going up.  He did not think that was likely and what I read it seems it would be an unusual side effect, but I know that oral steroids do it and wondered if this could, too.  I'm going off it to find out if it makes a difference, wonder how long it will take to see a drop if it is part of the reason.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Victoria,
The amount of steroid absorbed from intranasal administration is extensively and rapidly metabolized by the liver and inactivated. Trialing off of Rhinocort would certainly help determine if it is a possible cause to the elevated blood pressure. You shouls see a difference within a few days if it is responsible for
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm