2.5.2 Centrally acting antihypertensive drugs

General guidance

• Methyldopa is considered the agent of choice in pregnancy.
• Sudden withdrawal of clonidine can precipitate a hypertensive crisis.
• Moxonidine has been recently introduced for mild to moderate essential hypertension. It may have a role when thiazides, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are not appropriate or have failed to adequately control blood pressure.

Drug Traffic Light Key:

Green – On Formulary

Amber – Restricted use, see local guidelines      

Purple – Specialist use/initiation

Red – Non Formulary

Relative Costs Key (where indicated):

£££££ - high

£££ - moderate

£ - low