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Abrupt cessation of clonidine administration: a prospective study
The American Journal of Cardiology
|June 1, 1978
Summary
Abruptly stopping clonidine therapy in patients with mild to moderate hypertension did not cause significant withdrawal symptoms or blood pressure spikes. Norepinephrine excretion increased slightly but remained within normal limits.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Clonidine is a medication used to treat hypertension.
- Abrupt cessation of some antihypertensive agents can lead to withdrawal syndromes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of abrupt clonidine cessation on blood pressure, heart rate, and catecholamine excretion in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, crossover study involving 20 patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
- Placebo substitution for clonidine after 3 and 30 days of therapy.
Main Results:
- No clinically significant symptoms or overshoot in blood pressure or heart rate were observed.
- Norepinephrine excretion showed an overshoot, approaching the upper limits of normal.
Conclusions:
- A clinical withdrawal syndrome was not observed in patients with mild to moderate hypertension upon abrupt cessation of clonidine when not co-administered with a diuretic.