Positive Phentolamine Test in Hypertension Induced by a Nasal Decongestant

Abstract

HYPERTENSIVE episodes after ingestion of nasal decongestants containing phenylpropanolamine have been sporadically reported in the past,^{1 2 3 4} occurring with normal doses,⁴ as well as after an overdose of 400 mg.³ This report describes a patient with phenylpropanolamine-induced hypertension, who had a positive response to the phentolamine test.Case ReportA 21-year-old Negro corpsman was taken to the local dispensary after the sudden onset of diffuse abdominal pain, severe right-sided throbbing headaches and nausea. Initially, a blood pressure of 240/120 was recorded. After 330 mg of phenobarbital given intramuscularly and 32 mg of codeine the blood pressure decreased to 170/120. He was . . .