Clonidine
CatapresPubChem CID 2803 · 3D model
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Turns down the brain's own 'raise blood pressure' signal at its source in the brainstem, rather than acting out in the heart, blood vessels, or kidneys the way most other blood pressure drugs on this site do.
How it works
Most blood pressure drugs on this site work out in the body — on the heart, blood vessels, or kidneys directly. Clonidine instead works up in the brainstem, turning down the nervous system's own 'raise blood pressure' signal at the source. With less of that outgoing signal, blood vessels relax and the heart doesn't have to work as hard, so blood pressure drops within about half an hour of a dose.
What it’s used for
Used to treat high blood pressure, either on its own or alongside other blood pressure medicines.
- Mechanism
- Central alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
- Drug class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Cardiovascular