Which of the following is a common side effect of using vasoconstrictive medications like pseudoephedrine?

Vasoconstrictive medications, such as pseudoephedrine, are commonly used as decongestants due to their ability to narrow blood vessels and decrease blood flow to certain areas, leading to a reduction in swelling and nasal congestion. One of the well-known side effects of these medications is hypertension, or an increase in blood pressure. This occurs because the vasoconstrictive action raises peripheral resistance in the blood vessels, which can lead to elevated blood pressure levels.

In patients with a pre-existing history of hypertension or those who are sensitive to changes in blood pressure, the use of pseudoephedrine can lead to significant increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements. Therefore, blood pressure monitoring is recommended for patients using vasoconstrictive agents.

The other options, while they may be associated with different medical conditions or medications, are not typical side effects of using pseudoephedrine. Understanding the pharmacological effects of vasoconstrictors is important for anticipating and managing potential side effects in patients.