Understanding Clonidine and other Blood Pressure Drugs – Mechanism, Uses, and Side Effects
Clonidine: A General Overview Clonidine is a medication that is commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It belongs to a class of drugs called centrally acting alpha-agonists. What is Clonidine? Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, which means it works by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to reduce blood pressure. It is available in oral tablet form, as well as a patch that can be applied to the skin. How does Clonidine work? Clonidine works by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the brain, which leads to a decrease in sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system. This reduction in sympathetic activity helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels. Common uses and forms of Clonidine Clonidine is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is especially useful in cases where other blood pressure medications…