POISONING WITH ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS - METHYLDOPA AND CLONIDINE

Methyldopa and clonidine are anti-hypertensive drugs which are used le ss commonly nowadays. Experience of toxicity and self-poisoning with t hese drugs remains limited. This review examines the cases reported in the literature of overdosage or poisoning with methyldopa and clonidi ne, and the presenting symptoms and management in such cases. With sup portive 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 card iovascular complications.