Central Acting Alpha Agonist

Question 1

overall MOA

Answer 1

• a2 receptor primarily on presynaptic neurons -> stimulate in CNS
• dec NE production = dec sympathetic outflow = dec peripheral resistance, renal vascular resistance, HR, and BP

Question 2

overall AE

Answer 2

dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, HA

Question 3

indication

Answer 3

resistant HTN, ADHD, vasomotor menopausal sx, Tourette’s syndrome, adjunct pain control

Question 4

drug names to be familiar with

hint: klondike bars give me dry mouth and a rash

Answer 4

• clonidine

- AE: dry mouth, rash with patch (up to 50%) but typically patch decreases AE

Question 5

PT concerns the central-acting a2 agonists

Answer 5

OH and rebound hypertension