Alpha-2 agonists

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Mechanism of Action - The Central Command Override

  • Central Action: Primarily act on α2-adrenergic receptors in the brainstem (nucleus tractus solitarii).
  • Sympathetic Reduction: This stimulation mimics a negative feedback loop, leading to ↓ sympathetic outflow from the CNS.
  • Peripheral Effects:
    • Results in decreased norepinephrine (NE) release at peripheral nerve endings.
    • Leads to ↓ peripheral vascular resistance and ↓ cardiac output, thus lowering blood pressure.

⭐ Abrupt discontinuation, especially of clonidine, can cause severe rebound hypertension and tachycardia due to a surge in sympathetic activity.

Indications & Contraindications - Green Lights & Red Flags

Indications (Green Lights ✅)

  • Hypertension: Primarily for resistant HTN. Methyldopa is a choice for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
  • ADHD: Guanfacine and Clonidine serve as non-stimulant treatment options.
  • Symptom Management (Clonidine):
    • Opioid & nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
    • Menopausal hot flashes.
    • Tourette syndrome tics.

Contraindications (Red Flags 🚫)

  • Abrupt Discontinuation: ⚠️ High risk of severe rebound hypertension and tachycardia. Must taper dose slowly.
  • Elderly Patients: Increased risk of CNS effects and orthostatic hypotension (Beers List).
  • Depression: Can cause or exacerbate depressive symptoms.

⭐ Methyldopa is a key choice for hypertension in pregnancy but is famously associated with drug-induced lupus and hemolytic anemia (positive Coombs test).

Adverse Effects - The Rebound & Sedation Show

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): The most frequent, dose-dependent effects.

    • Sedation, fatigue, and dizziness.
    • Depression can occur, limiting use in susceptible patients.
  • Cardiovascular System:

    • ⚠️ Rebound Hypertension: Abrupt withdrawal is critical to avoid. It leads to a surge in sympathetic outflow, causing severe ↑BP, tachycardia, and nervousness. Always taper the dose slowly over several days.
    • Bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension.
  • Other Common Effects:

    • Dry mouth (xerostomia) and constipation.
    • Sodium and water retention, often resulting in edema.

Methyldopa-Specific: Can cause a positive Coombs test in up to 20% of patients, which may lead to hemolytic anemia. It can also induce hepatitis or a lupus-like syndrome.

Key Agents - Clonidine, Guanfacine, Methyldopa

FeatureClonidineGuanfacineMethyldopa
Primary UseHTN, ADHD, Tourette'sHTN, ADHDHTN in Pregnancy
α2 SelectivityLess selectiveMore selective (vs α1)Acts as false neurotransmitter
Key Side EffectRebound HTN upon abrupt cessationLess sedation & rebound HTNDrug-induced lupus, +Coombs test
Clinical PearlUseful for opioid/nicotine withdrawal sxLonger half-life than clonidineSafe in pregnancy

⭐ Methyldopa can cause a positive Coombs test, sometimes leading to hemolytic anemia. It's a classic exam question linking a drug to a specific autoimmune-like reaction.

Alpha-2 Agonists: Mechanisms and Effects

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Mechanism: Centrally acting α2-agonists that ↓ sympathetic outflow from the brainstem, leading to reduced blood pressure.
  • Clonidine is used for hypertensive urgency and ADHD; abrupt discontinuation causes severe rebound hypertension.
  • α-Methyldopa is a first-line agent for hypertension in pregnancy.
  • Key side effects of methyldopa include drug-induced lupus and Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia.
  • Common adverse effects for the class include sedation, dry mouth, and bradycardia.

Practice Questions: Alpha-2 agonists

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 75 year-old gentleman presents to his general practitioner. He is currently being treated for hypertension and is on a multi-drug regimen. His current blood pressure is 180/100. The physician would like to begin treatment with minoxidil or hydralazine. Which of the following side effects is associated with administration of these drugs?

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Flashcards: Alpha-2 agonists

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What effect does clonidine have on blood pressure? _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

What effect does clonidine have on blood pressure? _____

Decreased (via reduced sympathetic tone)

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