8/2/2019 DS - Catapres
1/2
Drug Name Dosage & Route Action Indication Adverse Effects
ContraindicationNursing
Responsibility
CLONIDINEHYDROCHLORIDE
Catapres
Classifications:
cardiovascular
agent;central-actingantihypertensive;analgesic
PO
75 mcg
1 tab SL
Prn for BP >140
Centrally actingantiadrenergicderivative.
Stimulatesalpha2-adrenergicreceptors in CNS to
inhibit sympatheticvasomotor centers.Central actions
reduceplasma concentrationsof norepinephrine. Itdecreases systolic
anddiastolic BP and heartrate. Orthostaticeffects tend to be
mildand occur infrequently.Also inhibits reninrelease from
kidneys.
Step 2 drug instepped-care approachto treatment ofhypertension,
eitheralone or with diureticor otherantihypertensive
agents. Epiduraladministration asadjunct therapy forsevere
pain.
CV: Hypotension(epidural), posturalhypotension (mild),peripheral
edema, ECGchanges, tachycardia,bradycardia, flushing,rapid increase
in BP
with abruptwithdrawal. GI: Drymouth, constipation,abdominal
pain,pseudo-obstruction oflarge bowel, alteredtaste,
nausea,vomiting, hepatitis,hyperbilirubinemia,weight gain
(sodiumretention).
CNS: Drowsiness,sedation, dizziness,headache, fatigue,
weakness,sluggishness, dyspnea,vivid dreams,nightmares,
insomnia,behavior
changes,agitation,hallucination,nervousness,restlessness,
anxiety,mental depression.Skin: Rash, pruritus,thinning of
hair,exacerbation ofpsoriasis; withtransdermal patch:
hyperpigmentation,recurrent herpessimplex, skin
irritation,contact dermatitis,mild erythema. SpecialSenses: Dry
eyes.Urogenital: Impotence,loss of libido.
Pregnancy (categoryC), lactation. Use ofclonidine patch
inpolyarteritis nodosa,scleroderma, SLE
Assessment & DrugEffects
Monitor BP closely.
Determinepositional changes(supine, sitting,standing).
With epiduraladministration,frequently monitorBP and
HR.Hypotension is acommon sideeffect that
mayrequireintervention.
Monitor BP closelywhenever a drug
is added to orwithdrawn fromtherapeuticregimen.
Monitor I&O duringperiod of dosageadjustment.Report change
inI&O ratio orchange in voidingpattern.
Determine weightdaily. Patients notreceiving a
concomitantdiuretic agent maygain weight,particularly
duringfirst 3 or 4 d oftherapy, becauseof marked sodiumand
waterretention.
Supervise closelypatients withhistory of mentaldepression,
asthey may besubject to further
depressiveepisodes.
