All grades of HTN w/ exception of HTN due to phaeochromocytoma. Can be administered in hypertensive patients unable to take oral medication as well as in patients w/ hypertensive crisis.
IM/IV 1 amp w/ normal saline 10 mL in slow inj for 10 min or 500 D5W drip. Administer IM when patients are lying down or in cases of hypertensive crisis. May adjust dosage every 2 wk.
Initiation or w/drawal of therapy should be gradual. Cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud's disease or thromboangiitis obliterans or history of depression. Concomitant use w/ TCA, thiazide diuretics & CNS depressants. May cause dizziness, & patients should not drive or operate machinery. Hepatic or renal insufficiency. Pregnancy & lactation.
Enhanced hypotensive effect w/ diuretics, other antihypertensives, & drugs that cause hypotension. May exacerbate rebound HTN following clonidine w/drawal w/ β-blockers. May antagonize hypotensive effect w/ TCAs. Acute, severe hypotension in agitated HTN patients after use w/ chlorpromazine or haloperidol. Inhibit the therapeutic effect of levodopa. Increase blood conc of ciclosporin.
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