Dosage & Route Indication Adverse Effects Contraindication Nursing Responsibility

Hypertension
Adult: PO 0.1 mg Centrally acting Step 2 drug in stepped- CV: Hypotension (epidural), Pregnancy (category C), Assessment & Drug Effects
b.i.d. or t.i.d., may antiadrenergic derivative. care approach to treatment postural hypotension (mild), lactation. Use of clonidine
Catapres, Catapres- increase by 0.1–0.2 Stimulates alpha2- of hypertension, either peripheral edema, ECG changes, patch in polyarteritis • Monitor BR closely.
TTS, Dixaril , Duraclon mg/d until desired alone or with diuretic or tachycardia, bradycardia, Determine positional changes
adrenergic receptors in nodosa, scleroderma, SLE
response is CNS to inhibit sympathetic other antihypertensive flushing, rapid increase in BP with (supine, sitting, standing).
achieved (max: 2.4 vasomotor centers. Central agents. Epidural abrupt withdrawal. GI: Dry mouth, • With epidural administration,
Classifications:
mg/d) Transdermal actions reduce plasma administration as adjunct constipation, abdominal pain, frequently monitor BP and
cardiovascular agent;
0.1 mg patch once concentrations of therapy for severe pain. pseudo-obstruction of large HR. Hypotension is a
central-acting
q7d, may increase norepinephrine. It bowel, altered taste, nausea, common side effect that may
antihypertensive;
by 0.1 mg q1–2 wk decreases systolic and vomiting, hepatitis, require intervention.
analgesic
Geriatric: PO Start diastolic BP and heart rate. hyperbilirubinemia, weight gain
with 0.1 mg once Orthostatic effects tend to (sodium retention). CNS: • Monitor BP closely whenever
daily be mild and occur Drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, a drug is added to or
Child: PO 5–10 infrequently. Also inhibits headache, fatigue, weakness, withdrawn from therapeutic
mcg/kg/d divided renin release from kidneys. sluggishness, dyspnea, vivid regimen.
q8–12h, may dreams, nightmares, insomnia, • Monitor I&O during period of
increase to 5–25 behavior changes, agitation, dosage adjustment. Report
mcg/kg/d divided hallucination, nervousness, change in I&O ratio or
q6h (max: 0.9 mg/d) restlessness, anxiety, mental change in voiding pattern.
depression. Skin: Rash, pruritus,
Severe Pain thinning of hair, exacerbation of • Determine weight daily.
Adult: Epidural start psoriasis; with transdermal patch: Patients not receiving a
infusion at 30 mcg/h hyperpigmentation, recurrent concomitant diuretic agent
and titrate to herpes simplex, skin irritation, may gain weight, particularly
response. Use rates contact dermatitis, mild erythema. during first 3 or 4 d of
>40 mcg/h with Special Senses: Dry eyes. therapy, because of marked
caution Urogenital: Impotence, loss of sodium and water retention.
Child: Epidural start libido.
• Supervise closely patients
infusion at 0.5
with history of mental
mcg/kg/h and titrate
depression, as they may be
to response
subject to further depressive
episodes.
ADDH
Child: PO 5
mcg/kg/d in 4
divided doses
(average dose,
0.15–0.2
mg/d) Transdermal
0.2–0.3 mg/d q5–7d