A-V block by an overdose of Clonidine

The case of a young addict woman, chronically treated with Clonidine, in whom an overdose of the drug determined transient S-A and A-V conduction disturbances is reported. Such effects have been attributed to vagal hyperactivity and must be kept in mind when the drug is administered to patient of old age, with cardiac disease, or in association with digitalis. The treatment of choice is represented by forced diuresis induced either by osmotic diuretics of furosemide.