Table 3.

Therapeutic agents and other substances that may affect blood pressure.

Mechanism of Action
Sympathetic activation	Volume retention	Direct Vasoconstriction	Other
• Cocaine • Stimulants often used for ADHD, narcolepsy and hypersomnias • Decongestants • Bronchodilators • Antidepressants	• NSAIDs • Sex hormones e.g., combined contraceptive pill • Corticosteroids • Liquorice • Sodium containing antacids	• VEGF inhibitors • Calcineurin inhibitors	• Erythrocyte stimulating agents • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors • Diet supplements (Ephedra, Yohimbine, bitter orange)

ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, NSAIDS non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor.