NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Clonidine

Clonidine is a direct-acting adrenergic agonist prescribed historically as an anti-hypertensive agent. It has found new uses, including treatment of some types of neuropathic pain, opioid detoxification, sleep hyperhydrosis, and, off-label, to counter the side effects of stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. It is becoming a more accepted treatment for insomnia, as well as for relief of menopausal symptoms. Clonidine is increasingly used in conjunction with stimulants to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where it's given in late afternoon and/or evening for sleep, and because it sometimes helps moderate ADHD-associated impulsive and oppositional behavior, and may reduce tics.^[1] Clonidine can also be used in the treatment of Tourette syndrome.^[2] In pharmacology and toxicology, a route of administration is the path by which a drug, fluid, poison or other substance is brought into contact with the body 1. ... A transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a time released dose of medication through the skin and into the bloodstream. ... An adrenergic is a drug, or other substance, which has effects similar to, or the same as, epinephrine (adrenaline). ... In medicine, hypertension refers to the problem of abnormally high blood pressure. ... Neuropathy is usually short for peripheral neuropathy, meaning a disease of the peripheral nervous system. ... An opioid is a chemical substance that has a morphine-like action in the body. ... Detox, short for detoxification, in general is the removal of toxic substances. ... Sleep hyperhidrosis is the occurrence of excessive sweating during sleep. ... The term off-label refers to the use of a drug for a medical condition other than for which it was officially approved and marketed. ... Stimulants are drugs that temporarily increase alertness and wakefulness. ... Vitamin R redirects here. ... Amphetamine or Amfetamine (Alpha-Methyl-PHenEThylAMINE), also known as, beta-phenyl-isopropylamine, and benzedrine, is a prescription stimulant commonly used to treat Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. ... This article is about the sleeping disorder. ... DISCLAIMER Please remember that Wikipedia is offered for informational use only. ... Tic may also refer to Tenancy in Common. ... Tourette syndrome (also called Tourettes syndrome, Tourettes disorder, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, GTS or, more commonly, simply Tourettes or TS) is an inherited neurological disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by the presence of multiple physical (motor) tics and at least one vocal (phonic) tic; these...

Indications

The main use for this medication is used to treat high blood pressure. It works by stimulating certain brain receptors (alpha adrenergic type) which results in the relaxing of blood vessels in other parts of the body, causing them to widen.

ImageMetadata File history File links Clonidine_pills_and_patch. ... ImageMetadata File history File links Clonidine_pills_and_patch. ...

Clonidine is typically available as tablets (Catapres, Dixarit), as a transdermal patch (Catapres-TTS), or as an injectable form to be given epidurally, directly to the central nervous system. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A 21mg dose Nicoderm CQ patch applied to the right arm A transdermal patch or skin patch is a medicated adhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a time released dose of medication through the skin and into the bloodstream. ... An injection is a method of putting liquid into the body with a hollow needle and a syringe which is pierced through the skin long enough for the material to be forced into the body. ... An epidural catheter after insertion. ... A diagram showing the CNS: 1. ...

Non-FDA approved uses

This medication may also be used to ease withdrawal symptoms associated with the long-term use of narcotics, alcohol and nicotine (smoking). In addition, clonidine has also be used for migraine headaches, hot flashes associated with menopause, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.^[3]^[4]

Clonidine is regularly prescribed to opiate addicts to help alleviate their withdrawal symptomology. It is mainly used to combat the sympathetic nervous system response to opiate withdrawal, namely tachycardia and hypertension, in the first couple days of withdrawals.^{[citation needed]} It helps take away the sweating, hot/cold flashes, and general restlessness.^{[citation needed]} The sedation effect is also useful. Scoring the poppy pod. ... Grays FIG. 838â€“ The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Adverse effects

This drug may cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, dizziness, or constipation. Sucking on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chewing sugarless gum, drinking water, and using a saliva substitute may help relieve dry mouth.

Pharmacodynamics

Clonidine is a centrally-acting alpha-2 agonist. It selectively stimulates receptors in the brain that monitor catecholamine levels in the blood. These receptors close a negative feedback loop that begins with descending sympathetic nerves from the brain that control the production of catecholamines (epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, and norepinephrine) in the adrenal medulla. By fooling the brain into believing that catecholamine levels are higher than they really are, clonidine causes the brain to reduce its signals to the adrenal medulla, which in turn lowers catecholamine production and blood levels. The result is a lowered heart rate and blood pressure, with side effects of dry mouth and fatigue. If clonidine is suddenly withdrawn the sympathetic nervous system will revert to producing high levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine, higher even than before treatment, causing rebound hypertension. Rebound hypertension can be avoided by slowly withdrawing treatment. The adrenergic receptors (or adrenoceptors) are a class of G_protein coupled receptors that is the target of catecholamines. ... Agonists An agonist is a substance that binds to a receptor and triggers a response in the cell. ... tyrosine is the precursor of catecholamines epinephrine norepinephrine dopamine Synthesis Catecholamines are chemical compounds derived from the amino acid tyrosine containing catechol and amine groups. ... Adrenaline redirects here. ... Norepinephrine (INN)(abbr. ... In mammals, the adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) are the triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys; their name indicates that position (ad-, near or at + -renes, kidneys). They are chiefly responsible for regulating the stress response through the synthesis of corticosteroids and catecholamines... Rebound hypertension is high blood pressure associated with sudden withdrawal of various antihypertensive medications. ...

Clonidine suppression test

Clonidine's effect on reducing circulating epinephrine by a central mechanism was used in the past as an investigatory test for pheochromocytomae, which are catecholamine-synthesizing tumors, usually of the adrenal medulla. In a Clonidine suppression test plasma catecholamines levels are measured before and 3 hours after a 0.3 ug/kg oral test dose has been given to a patient. A positive test occurs if there is no decrease in plasma levels. A phaeochromocytoma (pheochromocytoma in the US) is a neuroendocrine tumor of the medulla of the adrenal glands originating in the chromaffin cells, which secretes excessive amounts of catecholamines, usually adrenaline and noradrenaline (epinephrine and norepinephrine in the US). ...

Footnotes

Categories: Articles with unsourced statements since February 2007 | All articles with unsourced statements | Antihypertensive agents Antihypertensives are a class of drugs that are used in medicine and pharmacology to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... A diuretic (colloquially called a water pill) is any drug or herb that elevates the rate of bodily urine excretion (diuresis). ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... Alpha blockers (also called alpha-adrenergic blocking agents) constitute a variety of drugs which block alpha-adrenergic receptors in arteries and smooth muscles. ... Doxazosin mesylate, a quinazoline compound sold by Pfizer under the brand name CarduraÂ®, is an alpha blocker used to treat high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia. ... Guanethidine is an antihypertensive drug. ... Guanfacine is a centrally acting antihypertensive agent. ... Lofexidine is an alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist, can be used as a short acting (short half life) anti-hypertensive, but mostly used to help with relief from symptoms of heroin or opiate withdrawal in opiate dependency. ... Mecamylamine is a nicotinic antagonist that is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and crosses the blood-brain barrier. ... Methyldopa or alpha-methyldopa (brand names Aldomet, Apo-Methyldopa, Dopamet, Novomedopa) is a centrally-acting antiadrenergic antihypertensive medication. ... MOXONIDINE Indications: Moxonidine, a centrally acting drug, is licensed for mild to moderate essential hypertension. ... Prazosin, brand name MinipressÂ®, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). ... Rescinnamine is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor used as an antihypertensive drug. ... Reserpine is an indole alkaloid antipsychotic and antihypertensive drug known to irreversibly bind to storage vesicles of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. ... Vasodilation is where blood vessels in the body become wider following the relaxation of the smooth muscle in the vessel wall. ... Diazoxide is a potassium channel activator, which causes local relaxation in smooth muscle by increasing membrane permeability to potassium ions. ... Hydralazine hydrochloride (1 -hydrazinophthalazine monohydrochloride; ApresolineÂ®) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. ... Minoxidil is a vasodilator and originally was exclusively used as an oral drug (LonitenÂ®) to treat high blood pressure. ... Sodium nitroprusside is the chemical compound Na2[Fe(CN)5NO]. It is a potent peripheral vasodilator that affects both arterioles and venules. ... Phentolamine is a competitive nonselective alpha adrenergic receptor antagonist. ... Bosentan is a dual endothelin receptor antagonist important in the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). ... Ketanserin is a serotonin receptor antagonist. ... Thiazides are a class of drug that promote water loss from the body ((diuretics)). They inhibit Na+/Cl- reabsorption from the distal convoluted tubules in the kidneys. ... Bendroflumethiazide, (formerly known as bendrofluazide), is a thiazide diuretic, used to treat hypertension. ... Chlorothiazide sodium (DiurilÂ®) is a diuretic used within the hospital setting or for personal use to manage excess fluid associated with congestive heart failure. ... Hydrochlorothiazide (Apo-HydroÂ®, Aquazide HÂ®, MicrozideÂ®, OreticÂ®), sometimes abbreviated HCT, HCTZ, or HZT is a popular diuretic drug that acts by inhibiting the kidneys ability to retain water. ... Chlortalidone (formerly spelt chlorthalidone in the UK) is a thiazide diuretic, used to treat hypertension. ... Indapamide is a diuretic drug, usually used in the treatment of hypertension. ... Quinethazone (brand name HydromoxÂ®) is a thiazide diuretic used to treat hypertension. ... Mersalyl acid (Mersal) is a mercurial diuretic. ... Metolazone is an oral diuretic drug, commonly classified with the thiazide diuretics, and marketed under the brand names Zaroxolyn and Mykrox. ... Theobromine, also known as xantheose,[1] is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant. ... Cicletanine is a furopyridine low-ceiling diuretic drug, usually used in the treatment of hypertension. ... Loop diuretics are diuretics that act on the ascending loop of Henle in the kidney. ... Bumetanide is a loop diuretic of the sulfamyl category to treat heart failure. ... Furosemide (INN) or frusemide (former BAN) is a loop diuretic used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and edema. ... Torasemide (rINN) or torsemide (USAN) is a pyridine-sulfonylurea type loop diuretic mainly used in the management of edema associated with congestive heart failure. ... Potassium-sparing diuretic refers to diuretic drugs that do not promote the secretion of potassium into the urine. ... Amiloride is an antihypertensive, a potassium-sparing diuretic that was first approved for use in 1967 and helps to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure. ... Eplerenone (INN) (IPA: ) is an aldosterone antagonist used as an adjunct in the management of chronic heart failure. ... Spironolactone (marketed under the trade names Aldactone, Novo-Spiroton, Spiractin, Spirotone, or Berlactone) is a synthetic steroid which is commonly used as a diuretic or as an antiandrogen. ... Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic used in combination with thiazide diuretics for the treatment of hypertension. ... Migraine is a neurological disorder. ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... Species About 50, including: Claviceps africanum Claviceps fusiformis Claviceps paspali Claviceps purpurea Ergot is the common name of a fungus in the genus Claviceps that is parasitic on certain grains and grasses. ... ... Ergotamine is a vasoconstrictor used for migraine prevention and is sometimes mixed with caffeine. ... Methysergide (UML-491) is a prescription drug used for prophylaxis of migraine headaches and is sold under the brand names SansertÂ® and DeserilÂ® in 2mg dosages. ... Lisuride (brand name in Germany Dopergin) is an anti-Parkinsons drug of the iso-ergoline class, chemically related to the dopaminergic ergoline parkinson drugs. ... In physiology, corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. ... Flumedroxone is a corticosteroid derivative used to treat migraines. ... Serotonin (pronounced ) (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract of animals including humans. ... Triptans are a family of tryptamine drugs used as abortive medication in the treatment of migraine and cluster headaches. ... Almotriptan (AxertÂ®) is a triptan drug developed by Ortho-McNeil for the treatment of migraine headaches. ... Eletriptan (RelpaxÂ®) is a triptan drug developed by Pfizer for the treatment of migraine headaches. ... Frovatriptan (FrovaÂ®) is a triptan drug developed by Elan Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of migraine headaches. ... Naratriptan (AmergeÂ®) is a triptan drug developed by Glaxo Wellcome Inc. ... Rizatriptan (MaxaltÂ®) is a triptan drug developed by Merck & Co. ... Sumatriptan (ImitrexÂ®, ImigranÂ®) is a triptan drug originally developed by Glaxo for the treatment of migraine headaches. ... Zolmitriptan is an oral, selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B/1D (5-HT 1B/1D ) receptor agonist, or triptan, for acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura. ... Pizotifen (Pizotyline, Sandomigran) is a benzocycloheptane based drug used as a medicine. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Human eye cross-sectional view. ... A miotic substances causes the constriction of the pupil of the eye ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... Epinephrine Norepinephrine Sympathomimetic drugs are substances that mimic the effects of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) and the hormome/neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline). ... Apraclonidine is a sympathomimetic used in glaucoma therapy. ... Brimonidine (bri-MOE-ni-deen ) is a drug used to treat glaucoma. ... Dipivefrine (Dipivefrin in the United States) is a medicinal drug which is used to treat glaucoma. ... Adrenaline redirects here. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Aceclidine (INN) (GlaucostatÂ®, GlaunormÂ®, GlaudinÂ®) is a parasympathomimetic myotic agent used in the treatment of narrow angle glaucoma. ... The chemical compound acetylcholine, often abbreviated as ACh, was the first neurotransmitter to be identified. ... Clinical Info Chemistry and pharmacokinetics Carbachol is a choline ester and a positively charged quaternary ammonium compound. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Categories: Medicine stubs | Anticholinesterases ... Neostigmine Pyridostigmine Physostigmine Stigmine refers to a class of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. ... Diisopropylfluorophosphate Diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP, diisopropyl fluorophosphate) is an organophosphate insecticide. ... Neostigmine is a parasympathomimetic, specifically, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. ... Physostigmine is a parasympathomimetic, specifically, an irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor obtained from the Calabar bean. ... Pilocarpine is a muscarinic alkaloid obtained from the leaves of tropical American shrubs from the genus Pilocarpus. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Acetazolamide, sold under the trade name DiamoxÂ®, is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is used to treat glaucoma, epileptic seizures, benign intracranial hypertension and altitude sickness. ... synthesis of Brinzolamide ... Diclofenamide (or dichlorphenamide) is a sulfonamide and a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. ... Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. ... Methazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. ... Beta blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents are a class of drugs used to treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions and some other diseases. ... Betaxolol Ophthalmic is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. ... Carteolol is a beta blocking agent El-Kamel A, Al-Dosari H, Al-Jenoobi F. Environmentally responsive ophthalmic gel formulation of carteolol hydrochloride. ... Levobunolol is a beta blocking agent. ... Metipranolol hydrochloride (OptiPranololÂ®) is a non-selective beta blocker used in eye drops to treat glaucoma. ... Timolol maleate is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker. ... Synthetic prostaglandin analogues, mainly misoprostol, are used in treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers. ... Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... Latanoprost (pronounced la-TA-noe-prost) ophthalmic solution is a topical medication used for controlling the progression of glaucoma or ocular hypertension, by reducing intraocular pressure. ... Travoprost ophthalmic solution is a topical medication used for controlling the progression of glaucoma or ocular hypertension, by reducing intraocular pressure. ... Guanethidine is an antihypertensive drug. ...

Contents