centeral a-2 agonists

Question 1

MOA

Answer 1

acts centrally to stimulate alpha receptors  decrease in sympathetic outflow and decreased blood pressure

Question 2

drug names

Answer 2

• Methyldopa
• Clonidine
• Clonidine patch
• Guanabenz
• Guanfacine

Question 3

indication

Answer 3

• No recommendations at this time

* Useful in hypertensive urgency

Question 4

adverse effect

Answer 4

• Transient sedation initially
• Hepatotoxicity, hemolytic anemia, peripheral edema (methyldopa)
• Orthostatic hypotension (methyldopa, clonidine)
• Dry mouth, muscle weakness (clonidine)
• Sexual dysfunction

Question 5

comments

Answer 5

• Avoid in HF
• Rebound HTN if withdrawn quickly
• Methyldopa: 1st line in pregnancy
• Tolerance may occur 2-3 months after start of methyldopa; increase dose or add diuretic
• Contraindications:
• Hypersensitivity
• Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors (methyldopa)
• Hepatic disease (methyldopa)