Hypotensive action of clonidine

The hypotensive action of clonidine could not be explained satisfactorily by effects on the peripheral circulation. Numerous studies therefore considered the possibility of an effect on the central nervous system. Investigations performed on spinalized animals could... 

The fact that the modes of action of clonidine and a-methylnoradrenaline are similar to the mode of action of the physiological transmitter noradrenaline indicates the importance of the role of the latter in the central control of blood pressure. It may be mentioned that 1-dopa too, the precursor of noradrenaline, penetrates the blood-brain barrier and causes hypotension and bradycardia after systemic administration, when do-... 

Clonidine is a selective o -adrenergic agonist. Clonidine has expressed hypotensive action, which is associated with a reduction of general peripheral vascular resistance, reduced frequency of cardiac beats, and a reduction of cardiac output. The mechanism of action of clonidine is caused by stimulation of o -adrenoreceptors of the inhibitory structures of the brain as well as a reduction of sympathetic impulses to the blood vessels and brain. 

Clonidine is a selective Oj-adrenergic agonist that exhibits pronounced hypotensive action that is associated with a reduction of overall peripheral vascular resistance, decline in frequency of cardiac contraction, and reduced cardiac output. Clonidine is the drug of choice for treating various degrees of hypertension when used in combination with oral diuretics. 

Caution [C, ] CrCl <30 Contra Component sensitivity, asthma, severe COPD, sinus bradycardia Disp Soln SE Irritation, bitter taste, superficial keratitis, ocular allergic Rxn EMS Drug is absorbed systemically OD May cause electrolyte disturbances (K), acidosis and bradycardia monitor ECG Doxazosin (Cardura, Cardura XL) [Antihypertensive/Alpha Blocker] Uses HTN symptomatic BPH Action < [-Adrenergic blocker relaxes bladder neck smooth muscle Dose HTN Initial 1 mg/d PO may be T to 16 mg/d PO BPH Initial 1 mg/d PO, may T to 8 mg/d XR 2-8mg qAM Caution [B, ] Use w/ PDE5 inhibitor (eg, sildenafil) can cause 1 BP Contra Component sensitivity Disp Tabs SE Dizziness, HA, drowsiness, sexual dysfxn, doses >4 mg T postural BP risk Interactions T Effects W/ nitrates, antihypertensives, EtOH i effects W/ NSAEDs, butcher s broom -t effects OF clonidine EMS Concurrent EtOH use can T drowsiness syncope may occur w/in 90 min of initial dose OD May cause profound hypotension place pt in supine position, give IV fluids, use pressors if needed... 

Clinical data on BS-lOO-l l (2)(Sandoz) are now readily available. 2, 25 The compound is as effective an antihypertensive in man as clonidine but ten times less potent. Sedation and dry mouth appeared with the same frequency as with clonidine. The central a-stimulant action of guanabenz (3) in cats appears distinct from that of clonidine in that baroreceptor mechanisms are not involved in the hypotensive response.26 in the clinic, guanabenz (2it-48mg) produced modest blood pressure reduction with sedation as the major side-effect.27... 

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