Drug Name

Action

Indication

Adverse Effects

Contraindication

Nursing Responsibility Assess blood pressure and apical pulse before initial dose. If systolic blood pressure is <90mmhg or pulse is<60 bpm, withhold drug and notify physician. y Check for edema in feet, legs daily, y Monitor input-output ratio: check for decreasing output. y Note allergic reactions: fever, rash, pruritus, urticaria, and ioedema

GENERIC NAME: clonidine BRAND NAME: Catapres CLASSIFICATION: Centrally- acting drugs PREPARATION: Tablet DOSAGE: 75 mcg 1 tab ROUTE: Sublingual

Stimulates Central alphaadrenergic receptors to inhibit sympathetic cardio accelerator and vasoconstrictor centers

Management of all grades of hypertension

Hypersensitivity Local skin irritation, to clonidine, sick allergic contact sinus syndrome dermatitis, hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation of the skin. Constipation, depression, anxiety, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, parotid pain, sleep disturbances, impotence, urinary retention, itching sensation of the eye