NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets

(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

clonidine Catapres Antihypertensive, 0.1 mg PO Q 4 hours PRN
adrenergic
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
2-4 hr 30-60 min 8-12 hr 0.1 mg bid, increase by 0.1-0.2 day q 2-4 days, usual maintanence
dose is 0.2-0.6 mg/day in 2-3 divided doses up to 2.4 mg loading
dose
Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
Hypertension

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the CNS; which results in
decreased sympathetic outflow inhibiting cardioacceleration and
vasoconstriction centers, prevents pain signal transmission to the
CNS by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the spinal cord
(Why med ordered)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity, anticoagulant therapy, or bleeding problems,
Serious cardiac or cerebrovascular disease, Renal insufficiency
Common side effects
Drowsiness, dry mouth, withdrawl phenomenon

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask Lab value alterations caused by medicine
patient specifically) May cause transient increase in blood glucose levels
Additive hypotension from other antihypertensives such as Toprol, May cause decreased urinary catecholamine and vanillylmandelic
and Lisinopril. acid (VMA) concentrations; these may increase on abrupt
withdrawal, May cause weakly positive Coombs' test result
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Same time each day, even if feeling well. All routes of clonidine
should be gradually discontinued over 2-4 days to prevent rebound
hypertension, Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities
requiring alertness until response to medication is known, Caution
patient to avoid sudden changes in position to decrease orthostatic
hypotension.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this med? Check after giving
Monitor intake and output ratios and daily weight, and If BP is under 180/90. Decrease in BP
assess for edema daily, especially at beginning of
therapy, monitor blood pressure and pulse frequently
during initial dosage adjustment and periodically
throughout therapy. Give only if BP is > 180/90