Clonidine withdrawal in hypertension: Changes in Blood-pressure and Plasma and Urinary Noradrenaline

J. L. Reid, H. J. Dargie, D. S. Davies, L. M.H. Wing, C. A. Hamilton, C. T. Dollery

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

109 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Treatment was interrupted abruptly in 6 hypertensive patients receiving clonidine 0·45-5·4 mg daily. Blood-pressure rose to pretreatment levels within 24-48 h of withdrawal and was accompanied by insomnia, headache, flushing, sweating, and apprehension. These symptoms began 18-20 h after the last dose of clonidine. Plasma-noradrenaline levels and urinary catecholamine excretion increased 24-72 h after withdrawal of clonidine. The subjective symptoms were most prominent in patients on higher doses (>1 mg/day) and in those who had previously been receiving treatment with other antihypertensive drugs. One patient on a very low daily dose (0·15 mg) of clonidine had no symptoms and no significant changes in blood-pressure or catecholamine production after drug withdrawal.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1171-1174
Number of pages4
JournalThe Lancet
Volume309
Issue number8023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Jun 1977
Externally publishedYes

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