Clonidine hydrochloride--a safe and effective antihypertensive agent in pregnancy

A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was carried out, comparing alpha-methyldopa and clonidine hydrochloride in 100 pregnant women with hypertension. There was no difference in hypotensive effect or reported maternal side effects with either agent. There was one neonatal loss in each group (98% survival). Neither drug caused clinically significant hypotension nor rebound hypertension in the neonates. Clonidine hydrochloride, like methyldopa, appears to be a safe antihypertensive agent in pregnancy.