Comparison of intramuscularly and intravenously administered clonidine in the treatment of severe hypertension.
Twenty-four patients with severe hypertension (diastolic blood pressure (DBP) greater than 14.7 kPa (110 mmHg] were allocated at random to one of two treatment groups. All were given clonidine hydrochloride; twelve by intramuscular injection (Group 1), and 12 by intravenous injection (Group 2). The two routes were equally effective; diastolic blood pressure was reduced to less than 13.3 kPa (100 mmHg) in 11 patients in Group 1 and 10 patients in Group 2. The response in both groups was smooth, with no episodes of severe hypotension. Two patients in each group showed an initial transient pressor response. Clonidine hydrochloride, administered either intravenously or intramuscularly, is an effective treatment for severe hypertension but patients should be observed closely during the first hour after injection.
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D003000:Clonidine