The antihypertensive mechanism of clonidine
My grandfather has hypertension, so I would like to know, what is the blood pressure-lowering mechanism of clonidine?
Doctor's answer (1)
Clonidine is a central α2-adrenergic receptor agonist primarily used in the treatment of hypertension. The antihypertensive mechanisms of clonidine mainly include two aspects:
1. As an α-receptor agonist, clonidine can directly stimulate α-receptors in the central nervous system, especially the α2-receptors. This stimulation activates inhibitory neurons, thereby suppressing peripheral sympathetic nervous activity. This leads to a slower heart rate, reduced cardiac contractility, and vasodilation, resulting in decreased blood pressure.
2. Peripheral effects: In addition to its central action, clonidine can also directly act on peripheral α2-adrenergic receptors, especially at sympathetic nerve endings, reducing the release of norepinephrine. This effect decreases peripheral vascular and renal vascular resistance and slows heart rate, thereby lowering blood pressure.
These two mechanisms work together, making clonidine an effective antihypertensive medication suitable for patients who do not respond well to other antihypertensive drugs or experience adverse reactions.
