Effect of clonidine therapy on renal hemodynamics in renal transplant hypertension

Antihypertensive medications have a variable effect on renal hemodynamics and may contribute to renal insufficiency in some patients. Since clonidine has actually been found to improve renal hemodynamics in patients with essential hypertension, we studied the effects of clonidine therapy in patients with renal transplant hypertension. Baseline measurements of BP and renal hemodynamics were made in six patients after two weeks of therapy with furosemide. Clonidine was then added and titrated until BP was controlled. Repeated measurements of renal hemodynamics were made four and 16 weeks after clonidine therapy was begun. Glomerular filtration and effective renal plasma flow as assessed by inulin and aminohippurate sodium clearances were preserved during prolonged clonidine therapy.