Alpha 2 Central Acting Agents

Question 1

What are the alpha 2 agents and what is their MOA?

Answer 1

Clonidine, Methyldopa

Alpha 2 agents stimulate alpha 2 receptors in the brain, specifically within the CNS which inhibits norepinephrine and as a result this decreases HR and causes vasodilation= decreases BP.

Question 2

What are indication for treatment when prescribing alpha 2 agents?

Answer 2

HTN (add on for difficult to control HTN)
Gestational HTN with Methyldopa

Question 3

What are contraindications for prescribing alpha 2 agents?

Answer 3

severe liver disease with Methyldopa

depression with clonidine

Question 4

What is dosing to consider when prescribing alpha 2 central agents?

Answer 4

Clonidine: available as oral tablet and a transdermal patch, which allows for consistent delivery over a week.

Methyldopa requires multiple doses per day due to its short half life.

Question 5

What are side effects of alpha 2 agents?

Answer 5

Sedation/drowsiness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Rebound hypertension with clonidine when it is stopped abruptly
hemolytic anemia with methyldopa