Catapres/clonidine Flashcards
Brand name: Catapres
Generic: clonidine
Catapres/ clonidine indication
Mild to moderate Hypertension.
Catapres/clonidine: how it works
Decreases HR and relaxes your blood vessels to decrease BP.
Acts within 30-60 min.
Catapres/clonidine class
Antihypertensive
Centrally acting alpha-adrenergic agonist
Catapres/ clonidine mechanism of action
Inhibits central sympathetic vasomotor center. This action results in reduced sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system and in decreases in peripheral resistance, renal vascular resistance, heart rate, CO, and blood pressure.
Also reduces pain signal transmission.
Peaks in 3-5 hrs.
Does Catapres/clonidine cause orthostatic hypotension?
Mildly, yes. Postural reflexes remain intact.
Catapres/clonidine WARNINGS
Do not stop suddenly. Can result in hypertensive encephalopathy, cerebrovascular accidents and death.
BLACK BOX: do not use in pregnancy, labor, or breastfeeding.
Possible sedative effect — avoid driving etc until effects are known. Alcohol and other seds will increase effect.
Reversal agents for hypertensive crisis following Catapres/ clonidine WITHDRAWAL?
Oral clonidine OR IV phentolamine
Catapres/clonidine common side effects
DROWSINESS ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION DRY MOUTH Dry eyes Drowsiness Sedation Constipation
Catapres/ clonidine adverse reactions
HEART FAILURE Hypotension Conduction defects Bradycardia Respiratory depression Overdosage - may be treated with gastric lavage, cathartic, charcoal, atropine sulfate, naloxone
Catapres/clonidine routes of administraiton
most common: tablet PO
also: Transdermal patch
Catapres/clonidine Nursing Considerations
Beers: avoid as first line in older adults due to higher risk of CNS effects, bradycardia, Ortho Hypo
Treatment of Catapres/clonidine OVERDOSE
Supportive Tx
Tolazoline??? WHY
Atropine (an anticholinergic: permits sympathetic dominance)
DOPamine prn
