Poisoning with anti-hypertensive drugs: methyldopa and clonidine.
Methyldopa and clonidine are anti-hypertensive drugs which are used less commonly nowadays. Experience of toxicity and self-poisoning with these drugs remains limited. This review examines the cases reported in the literature of overdosage or poisoning with methyldopa and clonidine, and the presenting symptoms and management in such cases. With supportive therapy, the prognosis following toxicity with methyldopa and clonidine is good. Although an initial presentation with drowsiness or coma is common, careful attention should also be directed to any cardiovascular complications.
Zarifis
J
J
West Midlands Centre for Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Lip
G Y
GY
Ferner
R E
RE
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000506:poisoning*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D003000:Clonidine / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008750:Methyldopa / Q000506:poisoning*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D008750:Methyldopa; D003000:Clonidine