Rebound hypertension after discontinuation of transdermal clonidine therapy.
Three (and possibly all four) elderly hypertensive patients who were followed sequentially after discontinuation of transdermal clonidine monotherapy manifested a rapid rise in blood pressure to levels above control (pre- and post-therapy) readings. No signs of an "overshoot" in plasma norepinephrine levels or symptoms of beta-adrenergic overactivity were seen. Such rebound hypertension suggests hypersensitivity to alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulation and could pose a heretofore unreported potential hazard to elderly or otherwise compromised patients who discontinue transdermal clonidine therapy.
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects; D012306:Risk; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D003000:Clonidine; D009638:Norepinephrine