Alpha-2-Adrenergic Agonists (week 4)

Question 1

What is the brand name of clonidine?

Answer 1

Catapres

Question 2

Clonidine is available in which forms?

Answer 2

patch formations, both tablet forms (IR and ER)

Question 3

How does clonidine lower blood pressure?

Answer 3

decreases release of stimulatory substances from the brain (dilates blood vessels and decreases heart rate)

Question 4

What are the FDA approved indications for clonidine?

Answer 4

high blood pressure for IR and patch

Question 5

What are the common adverse effects for clonidine?

Answer 5

orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth, drowsiness, headache

Question 6

What are the serious side effects for clonidine?

Answer 6

low heart rate (for patch, can have skin reactions to the adhesive)

Question 7

What are the drug interactions for clonidine?

Answer 7

beta blocker combination gives high risk of low blood pressure and low heart rate (i.e. taking carvedilol at the same time), also CNS depressents (like alcohol)

Question 8

What are the warnings for alpha-2-adrenergic agonists?

Answer 8

rebound high blood pressure can occur if medication is withdrawn too quickly, patches should not be cut and patients should be warn about drowsiness