{"id":166,"date":"2019-10-17T22:10:52","date_gmt":"2019-10-18T02:10:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nursingpharmacology\/chapter\/4-10-alpha-2\/"},"modified":"2022-03-16T13:03:05","modified_gmt":"2022-03-16T17:03:05","slug":"4-11-alpha-2","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/nursingpharmacology\/chapter\/4-11-alpha-2\/","title":{"raw":"4.11 Alpha-2 Antagonists","rendered":"4.11 Alpha-2 Antagonists"},"content":{"raw":"Clonidine is an Alpha-2 antagonist.\r\n\r\nMechanism of Action:<\/strong>\u00a0 Clonidine reduces sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system and decreases peripheral resistance and renal vascular resistance.\r\n\r\nIndications for Use:<\/strong> Clonidine is used to treat hypertension (HTN) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).\r\n\r\nNursing Considerations Across the Lifespan:\u00a0<\/strong>Alpha-2 antagonists can be used safely in pediatric and older adult populations.\u00a0 For pediatrics, dose adjustments need to be made based on the child's weight, and titrated slowly.\u00a0 In older adult populations, dose adjustments are necessary when there is underlying kidney dysfunction.\r\n\r\nNurses need to monitor blood pressure and pulse rate frequently when giving these medications. Dosage is usually adjusted to the client's blood pressure and can cause hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. Rebound hypertension may occur if stopped abruptly.\r\n\r\nPatient Teaching & Education: <\/strong>Clients should be taught the importance of adhering to the same dosing schedule each day.\u00a0 Clients may experience orthostatic blood pressure changes and should be cautioned against the use of alcohol while taking this medication.\u00a0 Additionally, clients may experience increased susceptibility to blood pressure changes when exercising and exposed to hot environments.\u00a0 If the client experiences mental depression as a side effect of the medication, a different medication therapy may be needed.[footnote]uCentral from Unbound Medicine. https:\/\/www.unboundmedicine.com\/ucentral<\/a>[\/footnote]<\/sup>\r\n\r\nNow let's take a closer look at the medication grid on clonidine in Table 4.11.[footnote]This work is a derivative of Daily Med<\/a> by U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/a> in the public domain<\/a>.[\/footnote]<\/sup>[footnote]UpToDate (2021). Clonidine<\/em>. https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/search<\/a>[\/footnote] Because information about medication is constantly changing, nurses should always consult evidence-based resources to review current recommendations before administering specific medication.\r\n\r\nTable 4.11 Clonidine<\/a> Medication Card\r\n\r\n\"Alpha-2\r\n

<\/a>Alpha-2 Antagonists<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nA2 antagonists are used in research with limited clinical application.[footnote]This work is a derivative of Daily Med<\/a> by U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/a> in the public domain. [\/footnote]<\/sup>","rendered":"

Clonidine is an Alpha-2 antagonist.<\/p>\n

Mechanism of Action:<\/strong>\u00a0 Clonidine reduces sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system and decreases peripheral resistance and renal vascular resistance.<\/p>\n

Indications for Use:<\/strong> Clonidine is used to treat hypertension (HTN) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).<\/p>\n

Nursing Considerations Across the Lifespan:\u00a0<\/strong>Alpha-2 antagonists can be used safely in pediatric and older adult populations.\u00a0 For pediatrics, dose adjustments need to be made based on the child’s weight, and titrated slowly.\u00a0 In older adult populations, dose adjustments are necessary when there is underlying kidney dysfunction.<\/p>\n

Nurses need to monitor blood pressure and pulse rate frequently when giving these medications. Dosage is usually adjusted to the client’s blood pressure and can cause hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. Rebound hypertension may occur if stopped abruptly.<\/p>\n

Patient Teaching & Education: <\/strong>Clients should be taught the importance of adhering to the same dosing schedule each day.\u00a0 Clients may experience orthostatic blood pressure changes and should be cautioned against the use of alcohol while taking this medication.\u00a0 Additionally, clients may experience increased susceptibility to blood pressure changes when exercising and exposed to hot environments.\u00a0 If the client experiences mental depression as a side effect of the medication, a different medication therapy may be needed.[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

Now let’s take a closer look at the medication grid on clonidine in Table 4.11.[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup>[3]<\/sup><\/a> Because information about medication is constantly changing, nurses should always consult evidence-based resources to review current recommendations before administering specific medication.<\/p>\n

Table 4.11 Clonidine<\/a> Medication Card<\/p>\n

\"Alpha-2<\/p>\n

<\/a>Alpha-2 Antagonists<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A2 antagonists are used in research with limited clinical application.[4]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

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