Related Experiment Videos
Interaction between clonidine and desipramine in man.
British Medical Journal
|March 3, 1973
Summary
Tricyclic antidepressants like desipramine can cause hypertensive patients on clonidine to lose blood pressure control. This interaction may necessitate medication adjustments for effective hypertension management.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Hypertension is a prevalent condition requiring consistent medication management.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are commonly prescribed for various conditions.
- Clonidine is an effective antihypertensive agent, often used in managing high blood pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential interaction between desipramine (a TCA) and clonidine in hypertensive patients.
- To assess the impact of adding desipramine on blood pressure control in patients treated with clonidine.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted.
- Five hypertensive patients receiving clonidine participated.
- Desipramine was introduced, and blood pressure was monitored in both lying and standing positions.
Main Results:
- Four out of five patients experienced a loss of blood pressure control upon introduction of desipramine.
- Average blood pressure increased by 22/15 mm Hg (lying) and 12/11 mm Hg (standing) during the desipramine period compared to placebo.
- This indicates a significant adverse effect on blood pressure management.
Conclusions:
- Adding a tricyclic antidepressant, such as desipramine, can lead to a loss of blood pressure control in hypertensive patients treated with clonidine.
- Clinicians should carefully monitor blood pressure when TCAs are co-prescribed with clonidine.
- This interaction highlights the importance of considering polypharmacy in managing hypertension.