ch 17 Flashcards
Clonidine is this type of medication
Centrally acting a2 agonist (indirect acting antiadrenergic agent)
True or False
Clonidine lowers blood pressure by blocking calcium channels
False- Clonidine lowers blood pressure by vasodilation
There is a potential for abuse with Clonidine due to this adverse effect
drowsiness can intensify effects of bentos cocain and opioids as well as at high doses can cause euphoria sedation and hallucinations
How should a provider discontinue Clonidine and why
Taper of 2-4 days due to chance of rebound hypertension due to overactivity of sympathetic nervous system
A provider has a pregnant female with HTN, what centrally acting a2 agonists would most likely be prescribed
methyldopa
True of False
Clonidine is water soluble
False, lipid soluble and readily absorbed including the CNS
Bradycardia and decrease in cardiac output can result from clonidine why ?
due to suppressing the firing of sympathetic nerves to the heart
centrally acting a2 agonists decrease the release of _____ from sympathetic nerves and thereby _________ activation of peripheral adrenergic receptors
Norepinephrine
decrease
What two severe side effects are associated with methyldopa
hemolytic anemia
hepatic necrosis
What should be monitored when taking methyldopa chronically
Coombs test - prior and 6-12 months after
hematocrit/hemoglobin
liver function
If a patient has bradycardia is clonidine okay to administer
use with caution in bradycardia
If a pt develops hemolytic anemia how should this be treated
withdraw methyldopa immediately, hemolytic anemia usually resolves quickly
What special population should clonidine be avoided in
pregnant women
breastfeeding women
older adults
