4.10 Alpha-2 Agonists

Clonidine is an Alpha-2 agonist.

Mechanism of Action: Clonidine reduces sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system and decreases peripheral resistance and renal vascular resistance.

Indications: Clonidine is used to treat hypertension (HTN) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Nursing Considerations: Monitor blood pressure and pulse rate. Can cause hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. Rebound hypertension may occur if stopped abruptly.

Side Effects/Adverse Effects: Side effects of Alpha-2 agonist medications may include hypotension, bradycardia, and rebound hypertension if the medication is stopped abruptly. The medication may also cause drowsiness.

Health Teaching & Health Promotion: Clients should be taught the importance of adhering to the same dosing schedule each day and to not stop taking the medication abruptly or rebound hypertension may occur. Clients may experience orthostatic blood pressure changes and should be cautioned against the use of alcohol while taking this medication. Additionally, clients may experience increased susceptibility to blood pressure changes when exercising and exposed to hot environments. If the client experiences mental depression as a side effect of the medication, a different medication therapy may be needed.^[1]

Now let’s take a closer look at the medication grid on clonidine in Table 4.10.^[2]

Table 4.10 Clonidine Medication Grid

Alpha-2 Antagonists

Alpha-2 antagonists are used in research with limited clinical application.^[3]