INTRODUCTION TO CLONIDINE
CLONIDINE is a drug used for treatment of hypertension,belonging to centrally acting sympatholytics of anti-hypertensives.it is basically an
alpha II adrenargic agonist.
structure of clonidine
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF CLONIDINE
site of action of clonidine is pre-synaptic alpha II receptor in vasomotor centre of brain stem just like methyldopa.however there is no inter-conversion of products involved like methyldopa and the mechanism is straight forward and direct.the alpha II receptor in brain is stimulated leading to decreased peripheral vascular resistance.the binding of clonidine to presynaptic alpha II receptor leads to decreased level of calcium in the vicinity and thus the synthesis of nor adrenaline is inhibited.thus the net effect would be a decreased sympathetic tone of heart and vessels and the blood pressure is decreased.
CLINICAL USES OF CLONIDINE
following are the clinical uses of clonidine.
- mild to moderate hypertension
- prophylactic treatment of migraine
- control diarrhea associated with diabetic neuropathy
- to control with drawl symtoms associated in opoid and alcohol addicts(by easing the symptoms
- some off label uses like stress,anxiety,sleep disorders,borderline personality disorders,pre-medication before surgery etc
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CLONIDINE
most of the adverse effects of clonidine are more or less like that of methyldopa for example.
- sleep disorders
- sedation
- depression
- xeromastia
- nightmares
- gynacomastia
- blood disorders like hemolytic anemia
- potential impotency
- orthostatic hypotension
- somnolence
- headache
- fatique
- anxiety
- malaise
- constipation
- sedation
- rash
- weight gain
- weight loss
- nausea
