Oral Adrenergic Agents for Hypertension in Children
Medication (Class) | Some Adverse Effects | Comments |
|---|---|---|
Atenolol (beta-blocker)Atenolol (beta-blocker) | May cause bradycardia or atrioventricular block, or fatigue/lethargy, depressed mood, depressed appetite, dizziness, or wheezing | Contraindications include pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock. Use with caution in patients with diabetes and asthma. Use with caution in teenagers with pre-existing depression. Atenolol should not be abruptly stopped. Atenolol should not be abruptly stopped. |
Clonidine (alpha-2-agonist)Clonidine (alpha-2-agonist) | Drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness | Clonidine should not be abruptly stopped.Clonidine should not be abruptly stopped. |
Labetalol (mixed alpha- and beta-blocker)Labetalol (mixed alpha- and beta-blocker) | Orthostatic hypotension, edema, bradycardia, heart failure, bronchospasm | Contraindications include pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock, or heart block. Use with caution in patients with asthma or hepatic disease. |