Clonidine

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In pharmacology, clonidine is a "alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that crosses the blood-brain barrier. Clonidine acts centrally by reducing sympathetic tone, resulting in a fall in diastolic and systolic blood pressure and a reduction in heart rate. It also acts peripherally, and this peripheral activity may be responsible for the transient increase in blood pressure seen during rapid intravenous administration. (From Martindale, the Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p350)."[1]

Its main use is for hypertension, but it has also been studied for pain and for alcohol withdrawal.

Absorption

The bioavailability of an oral dose is nearly 100%.[2]

Adverse effects

Rebound hypertension

References

  1. Anonymous (2024), Clonidine (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  2. (2006) “α2-Selective Adrenergic Receptor Agonists”, Keith Parker; Laurence Brunton; Goodman, Louis Sanford; Lazo, John S.; Gilman, Alfred: Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 11th. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-142280-3. 

External links

The most up-to-date information about Clonidine and other drugs can be found at the following sites.