8oom no 307 A

Age 40
ulagnosls of aLlenL PyperLenslon LncephalopaLhy vs CvA lnfarcLlon
urug name and
ClasslflcaLlon
acLlon lndlcaLlon ConLralndlcaLlon Slde effecL nurslng ConslderaLlon

CLONIDINE
HYDROCHLORIDE
(kloe'ni-deen)
150mcg

Catapres, Catapres-
TTS, Dixaril , Duraclon

CIassifications:
cardiovascular agent;
central-acting
antihypertensive;
analgesic



Centrally acting
antiadrenergic derivative.
Stimulates alpha2-
adrenergic receptors in
CNS to inhibit
sympathetic vasomotor
centers. Central actions
reduce plasma
concentrations of
norepinephrine. t
decreases systolic and
diastolic BP and heart
rate. Orthostatic effects
tend to be mild and occur
infrequently. Also inhibits
renin release from
kidneys.


Step 2 drug in stepped-
care approach to
treatment of
hypertension, either
alone or with diuretic or
other antihypertensive
agents. Epidural
administration as
adjunct therapy for
severe pain.
Sick sinus
syndrome.
CV Hypotension (epidural),
postural hypotension (mild),
peripheral edema, ECG
changes, tachycardia,
bradycardia, flushing, rapid
increase in BP with abrupt
withdrawal. G Dry mouth,
constipation, abdominal pain,
pseudo-obstruction of large
bowel, altered taste, nausea,
vomiting, hepatitis,
hyperbilirubinemia, weight
gain (sodium retention). CNS
Drowsiness, sedation,
dizziness, headache, fatigue,
weakness, sluggishness,
dyspnea, vivid dreams,
nightmares, insomnia,
behavior changes, agitation,
hallucination, nervousness,
restlessness, anxiety, mental
depression. Skin Rash,
pruritus, thinning of hair,
exacerbation of psoriasis;
with transdermal patch
hyperpigmentation, recurrent
herpes simplex, skin irritation,
contact dermatitis, mild
erythema. Special Senses
Dry eyes. Urogenital
mpotence, loss of libido.
ssessment & Drug Effects
onitor BR closely. Determine
positional changes (supine,
sitting, standing).
With epidural administration,
frequently monitor BP and HR.
Hypotension is a common side
effect that may require
intervention.
onitor BP closely whenever a
drug is added to or withdrawn
from therapeutic regimen.
onitor &O during period of
dosage adjustment. Report
change in &O ratio or change
in voiding pattern.
Determine weight daily. Patients
not receiving a concomitant
diuretic agent may gain weight,
particularly during first 3 or 4 d
of therapy, because of marked
sodium and water retention.
Supervise closely patients with
history of mental depression, as
they may be subject to further
depressive episodes.