[Arterial hypertension with hypopotassemia and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis caused by abuse of a nasal spray].

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.