DRUG STUDY FOR CLONIDINE

DRUG NAME MECHANISM INDICATION CONTRAINDICATION ADVERSE NURSING

OF ACTION REACTION/SIDE RESPONSIBILITIES
EFFECTS

Generic Name: Stimulates Management of Contraindicated in: CNS: drowsiness, 1. Monitor BP

Clonidine alpha-adrenergic mild to Hypersensitivity. depression, carefully when
receptors in the moderate Disorders of cardiac dizziness, discontinuing
Brand Name: CNS, which hypertension. pacemaker activity and nervousness, clonidine;
Catapres results in conduction. Pregnancy and nightmares hypertension
decreased lactation. usually returns
Classification: sympathetic CV: bradycardia, within 48 hours
Antihypertensive outflow hypotension, 2. Advise patient
inhibiting cardio palpitations to take drug
Route: acceleration and exactly as
Oral vasoconstriction GI: dry mouth, prescribed and
centers. Prevents constipation, not to stop
Dosage: pain signal nausea, vomiting abruptly
0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, transmission to because
and 0.3 mg the CNS by GU: erectile withdrawal
stimulating dysfunction symptoms and
alpha-adrenergic severe
receptors in the Derm: rashes, hypertension
spinal cord. sweating may occur.
3. Instruct patient
Therapeutic F & E: sodium to consult
effects: retention prescriber if dry
Decreased blood mouth or
pressure. Metab: weight
drowsiness
Decreased pain. gain
becomes a
Misc: withdrawal problem.
4. During oral
phenomenon clonidine
therapy. To
minimize these
effects,
prescriber may
suggest taking
most of dosage
at bedtime.
5. Instruct patient
to report chest
pain, dizziness
with position
changes,
excessive
drowsiness,
rash, urine
retention, and
vision changes.
As needed, tell
patient to rise
slowly to avoid
hypotensive
effects.