Miscellaneous Agents

Question 1

How do the miscellaneous agents act?

Answer 1

Act on CNS

Question 2

Name two drugs in the miscellaneous drug category?

Answer 2

Clonidine and alpha-methyldopa

Question 3

What are clonidine and alpha-methyldopa used to treat?

Answer 3

HT (alpha-methyldopa for chronic HT in pregnancy)

Opioid/nicotine withdraw

ADHD

Question 4

T/F/ Alpha-methyldopa leads to a positive Coombs test.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

T/F Alpha-methyldopa is a prodrug.

Answer 5

True. Used to treat chronic HT in pregnancy.

Question 6

Where do clonidine and alpha-methyldopa (prodrug) act?

Answer 6

Alpha 2 receptor agonist (found on nerve terminals)

Question 7

Where are alpha 2 receptors found?

Answer 7

Nerve terminals

Question 8

How does activating the alpha 2 receptor (agonist) lower BP?

Answer 8

Clonidine treats high blood pressure by stimulating α2-receptors in the brain, which decreases peripheral vascular resistance, lowering blood pressure. It has specificity towards the presynaptic α2-receptors in the vasomotor center in the brainstem. This binding decreases presynaptic calcium levels, thus inhibiting the release of norepinephrine (NE). The net effect is a decrease in sympathetic tone.

Question 9

How does the alpha 2 agonists work (Clonidine and alpha-methyl dopa)?

Answer 9

Dec CNS outflow -> Dec NE release

Question 10

What are the adverse effects of alpha 2 agonists?

Answer 10

Dry mouth

Sedation